a beautiful puss in boots

digitalcollections.nypl.org 1704515 (no known copyright)

Walter Crane (English; 1845-1915) was one of the most important illustrators of children's literature in the late 19th century.  A student of the Arts and Crafts Movement, he chose natural forms presented in a tidied, romantic fashion.  In this opening page from the tale of Puss in Boots, Crane chose a background of traditional village occupations and its intersection with wildlife.  The Arts and Crafts Movement chose this as a way to turn popular visuals away from industrialization and a resulting decline in beauty and human values, and back toward honest craft and the environment.  Learn more about Walter Crane and see more of his lyrical and rich work here.

Art and Picture Collection, The New York Public Library. "Puss in boots" The New York Public Library Digital Collections. http://digitalcollections.nypl.org/items/6c7f0ada-1804-0ff1-e040-e00a18065957