Away they flew over stock and stone, at such a pace that his hair whistled in the wind
A hand-painted replica of Arthur Rackham’s masterpiece Away they flew over stock and stone, at such a pace that his hair whistled in the wind, meticulously crafted by professional artists to capture the true essence of the original. Each piece is created with museum-quality canvas and rare mineral pigments, carefully painted by experienced artists with delicate brushstrokes and rich, layered colors to perfectly recreate the texture of the original artwork. Unlike machine-printed reproductions, this hand-painted version brings the painting to life, infused with the artist’s emotions and skill in every stroke. Whether for personal collection or home decoration, it instantly elevates the artistic atmosphere of any space.
Arthur Rackham (1867–1939) was a renowned English illustrator known for his distinctive style, which combined pen-and-ink drawings with watercolor washes. His works often depicted scenes from fairy tales, myths, and classic literature, and he became one of the most celebrated illustrators of the early 20th century. Among his many illustrations is the piece titled "Away they flew over stock and stone, at such a pace that his hair whistled in the wind."
This illustration was created for Rackham's 1909 edition of The Ingoldsby Legends, a collection of myths, ghost stories, and humorous tales written by Richard Harris Barham under the pseudonym "Thomas Ingoldsby." Rackham's illustrations for this book are widely regarded as some of his finest, showcasing his ability to blend the fantastical with the eerie and whimsical. The specific scene depicted in this illustration corresponds to a moment in one of the tales where characters are engaged in a supernatural or fantastical chase, a theme Rackham often excelled at portraying.
The artwork exemplifies Rackham's signature style, characterized by intricate line work, dynamic composition, and a muted color palette that enhances the sense of movement and drama. The phrase "over stock and stone" suggests a wild and untamed journey, which Rackham captures through the fluidity of the figures and the surrounding landscape. The whistling hair adds a touch of humor and energy, reflecting the lively tone of The Ingoldsby Legends.
Rackham's illustrations for The Ingoldsby Legends were part of a broader trend during the Golden Age of Illustration, a period roughly spanning the late 19th and early 20th centuries, when advances in printing technology allowed for high-quality reproductions of artwork in books. Rackham's work during this time helped elevate the role of the illustrator, making illustrated editions highly sought after by collectors and readers alike.
This particular illustration, like much of Rackham's work, demonstrates his ability to evoke both the magical and the macabre, drawing viewers into the story's world. His attention to detail and imaginative interpretation of the text have ensured his lasting legacy as one of the most influential illustrators of his time. Today, Rackham's works, including this piece, are celebrated for their artistic merit and their contribution to the history of book illustration.
