Now Crossed a Mirror's Face

Art Historical Context

Edwin Austin Abbey (1852–1911), a leading American illustrator and painter of the Victorian era, crafted *Now Crossed a Mirror's Face* around 1889. Abbey rose to prominence through his meticulous narrative illustrations for magazines like *Harper's* and grand mural commissions, blending Pre-Raphaelite detail with literary inspiration. This enigmatic drawing captures his skill in evoking poetic introspection during a pivotal time when American artists sought European refinement. Executed in pen and black ink over graphite cream laminated board (49.2 × 30.9 cm), the work highlights Abbey's preparatory technique: faint graphite underdrawings guide precise, expressive ink lines, allowing for subtle shading and dynamic forms. Laminated board provided a stable surface for his fine work, common in late-19th-century drafting for durability in studios. Housed in the Art Institute of Chicago's Prints and Drawings department, this piece exemplifies Abbey's enduring influence on American illustration, inviting visitors to reflect on its mysterious title—perhaps a nod to reflection, identity, or literary verse—and the artist's masterful balance of delicacy and drama.

About the Artist

Edwin Austin Abbey · 1852–1911

Abbey was one of the leading illustrators during the last quarter of the 19th century. He specialized in illustrating poems and historic novels, including the works of Shakespeare, Pope, and Goldsmith. American illustrator and mural painter. Comment on works: illustrations