The artwork entitled “The Mock Turtle drew a long breath and said, ‘That’s very curious'” was created by the esteemed artist Arthur Rackham. This illustration belongs to the Art Nouveau (Modern) movement and is a part of the series “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland”.
The scene depicted in the artwork is rendered in delicate, intricate lines and muted colors typical of Rackham’s illustrative style. It features three central figures: the Mock Turtle, a young girl (presumably Alice), and the Gryphon. The characters are seated on a rocky shore, with the sea and a rugged terrain forming the background. The Mock Turtle, characterized by a turtle’s body with expressive eyes and a somewhat sorrowful expression, appears to be in conversation with Alice, who is attentively listening. The Gryphon, a fantastical creature with the body of a lion and the wings and head of an eagle, sits imposingly beside Alice. The composition and the fine detailing reflect Rackham’s mastery in bringing to life the whimsical and fantastical elements of Lewis Carroll’s tale.
