"By means of tracing-paper I transfer my design to the wood and draw on that"
About this Quote
John Tenniel, best understood for his illustrations in Lewis Carroll's "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland" and "Through the Looking-Glass", describes a precise procedure in this quote. "By means of tracing-paper I transfer my design to the wood and draw on that", he explains a particular step in the traditional wood etching method utilized during the 19th century, which was the height of printed illustration before photographic processes became widespread.
Tenniel's method starts with the production of a comprehensive pencil or ink drawing on paper, encapsulating his artistic vision and structure. This initial sketch could be seen as a trial or a way to easily check out the visual story without immediate effects. The tracing paper then plays a vital function in maintaining the integrity of his original style while preparing it for engraving. Tracing paper, semi-transparent, allows light and lines to go through, offering an effective medium to replicate the complexities of the drawing accurately.
Moving the style onto wood was essential due to the fact that wood inscription involved sculpting an image into a block of wood, traditionally boxwood, understood for its close grain and toughness. By transferring the style, Tenniel made sure that the artwork he thoroughly crafted was maintained in every information, permitting him to concentrate on the technical and skill-intensive procedure of inscription. As the artist drew directly on the wood block with the transferred style, it set the phase for the next step: sculpting, where he would use specialized tools to incise lines into the surface area, producing a relief image.
This process was both time-consuming and needed a high level of dexterity and persistence. Each line engraved dictated light and shadow in the last print, with the untouched parts catching ink to expose the intended image upon pressing. Tenniel, through this method, managed to produce highly detailed, expressive illustrations that left a long-lasting influence on visual storytelling. His usage of tracing paper exhibits the blend of artistry and accuracy that specified his work, ensuring that each scene was as captivating and creative in print as he initially envisioned it.