Trained in the art of stained glass, early 20th century Irish artist Harry Clarke eventually found himself illustrating books. One of his most accomplished commissions was a 1908 publication called Tales of Mystery and Imagination, a collection of Edgar Allan Poe’s macabre, gothic tales. Clarke’s stunning works for the book made it a popular reprinted title, and lit fiend haunt 50 Watts was kind enough to share one such copy.
The website posted images from a 1923 print — which we first took notice of on Twitter — containing dozens of richly detailed, black and white plates. Clarke’s sharply intense figures and incredible line work recalls the work of Aubrey Beardsley, but Clarke’s images feel more labyrinthine. The artist became one of the most well-known figures in the Arts and Crafts movement, but we’re deeply drawn to the sinister elegance of his Poe illustrations — some of which we’ve featured past the break. Click through for a closer look.
Image credit: Harry Clarke, courtesy of 50 Watts
Image credit: Harry Clarke, courtesy of 50 Watts
Image credit: Harry Clarke, courtesy of 50 Watts
Image credit: Harry Clarke, courtesy of 50 Watts
Image credit: Harry Clarke, courtesy of 50 Watts
Image credit: Harry Clarke, courtesy of 50 Watts
Image credit: Harry Clarke, courtesy of 50 Watts
Image credit: Harry Clarke, courtesy of 50 Watts
Image credit: Harry Clarke, courtesy of 50 Watts
Image credit: Harry Clarke, courtesy of 50 Watts
Image credit: Harry Clarke, courtesy of 50 Watts
Image credit: Harry Clarke, courtesy of 50 Watts
Image credit: Harry Clarke, courtesy of 50 Watts
Image credit: Harry Clarke, courtesy of 50 Watts