The Pool of Tears – Arthur Rackham

A dreamlike journey into Wonderland, where imagination and the natural world come together in a wonderfully whimsical scene.

Created in 1907 by the celebrated British illustrator Arthur Rackham, this enchanting illustration depicts a memorable episode from Lewis Carroll's Alice's Adventures in Wonderland.

Having grown to an enormous size and then shrunk again, Alice finds herself swimming in a pool of her own tears. Around her, a curious collection of animals has fallen into the water: a pelican, a mouse, a crab and an assortment of birds and other fantastical-looking creatures.

Rackham brings this surreal scene to life with his unmistakable style. Delicate lines, muted earthy colours and wonderfully expressive animals create an atmosphere that is both magical and slightly mysterious. The flowing movement of Alice's hair and the gathering of creatures around her give the composition a sense of movement and playful chaos.

A beautiful example of the golden age of children's book illustration, this artwork captures the timeless charm of Wonderland and Arthur Rackham's extraordinary imagination.

A poetic and characterful art print, perfect for lovers of classic literature, vintage illustration and the magical world of Alice.

Artist: Arthur Rackham (1867–1939)
Date: 1907
Subject: Alice swimming among animals in the Pool of Tears
Original medium: Pen, ink and watercolour
Literary work: Alice's Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll
Original publisher: William Heinemann, London