Modern Illustration

Illustration is not only the oldest, but the only form of artistic expression which graphic artists have ever been able to employ. For that matter, every expression of the artist, whether conveyed by means of monochrome or colour, even the work of the plastic artist, is but an illustration.

For an illustration is the recording, by means of some artistic medium, either of something seen by the artist which he wishes to convey to — that is, illustrate for — others ; or else the direct interpretation by some artistic means of a written description, or the chronicling of an historical event; or, it is a composition which has been suggested to him by some occurrence in nature ; or, again, his impression of some phase of nature or life. Therefore, all art is illustration, though it rather seems to follow that all illustration is not art.

This work was the first serious attempt on the art of Illustration and is still as useful as when first published.