Book Illustration: A Lost Art?

The prehistoric cave paintings can be considered the first book illustration. Really. Our forefathers may not have refined the language, even learned how to write, but they have imagination. In fact, a visit to the cave in Cantabria, Spain would reveal startling insights on the mammals that roamed the Iberian peninsula millions of years of ago. It might be the peninsula that everyone knows, as the continents would be in different positions. But look at that illustration of the red ox. It suggests how they revere this animal, not to forget the rough existence back then.

Let's move fast forward. Medieval Europe will be noted for the Flammarion engraving. It was a woodcut, which was done by an artist who chose to remain anonymous. What is intriguing about these illustrations is the depiction of man's quest for knowledge and spiritual enlightenment. It shouldn't be surprising the two went hand in hand, as the Church played a major role in political affairs back then.

It didn't take long for book illustration to improve during the next few centuries, Children's book in particular. Let's not forget fairy tales. It was the right thing to do, as children would look at the illustrations first. And it's natural for a parent to read a book to his/her child before going to sleep.

What happened?

Book illustration is still around, if you look at comics and graphic novels. And a Children's book can't be called as one without images. But most novels don't require one, unless the author agrees to a graphic novel version.

Internet is the main reason, as anything can be accessible. Book sale is affected, but the publishing industry managed to find a way. Some will argue there's no need for a book illustration, as this will prompt readers to imagine the story and characters. No doubt about it. However, this has been part of tradition. Moreover, there's nothing wrong about adding a sketch or two. Branwell Brontë's painting of his more famous sisters, for instance, gave fans of Charlotte, Emily, and Anne a good guess on their works. There was a forlorn line somewhere, which would make a mark in their novels.

Why revive it?

A book illustration will provide renewed interest on that piece of written work. Children's literature must not be used as a case in point. The uncanny writings of H.P. Lovecraft became popular due to sketches of Cthulhu. Likewise, notable titles from Adventure fiction might have been overlooked if not for a few illustrations of some locations.

A picture can tell a thousand words, but this is not the reason not to include an illustration. It will complement an author's writing. And vice versa.