Jean de Bosschère: Beast and Men, Part 1

Jean de Bosschère (1878-1953) was an Belgian writer and Symbolist painter. His color-plates may be placed beside the illustrations of Arthur Rackham, Edmund Dulac and Kay Nielsen. The Little Review stated in 1920, "M. de Bosschère is certainly the most accomplished artist engaged in illustrating books, and his special sense of the decorative quality of black and white and his purity of line are a great pleasure." When World War I broke out in Belgium, Jean de Bosschère fled to England. In London he developed his own distinctive style of fantasy illustration. The artist was fascinated by the occult, which is apparent in his whimsical, child-like, often grotesque designs for his book illustrations. His pictures suggest a cross between Hieronymus Bosch and Harry Clarke. Persian miniatures too influenced his distinctive style. But the artist was never pleased with the reproduction of his work, especially his watercolors; and the originals are indeed far more vibrant than their printed versions.

 He tore a rib from his side and cut off my ear.

Frontispiece

 I hope you will enjoy your drink. Good-bye!

All the Birds were very proud of their appearance.

"What else can I do?" asked Chanticleer.