The artwork titled “‘Well, this is grand!’ said Alice” was created by artist Peter Blake in 1970. This piece is a representation of the Pop Art movement and falls within the genre of illustration. Specifically, it is part of a series by Blake that offers visual interpretations of Lewis Carroll’s “Through the Looking-Glass.” This series of illustrations harmoniously marries the thematic elements of Carroll’s work with the vivid, culture-infused style of Pop Art.
The artwork depicts a portrait-styled representation of Alice, a character from “Through the Looking-Glass.” It appears to be done in mixed media, combining vibrant color application with intricate textural detail to evoke a tangible sense. The foremost element, Alice’s face, anchors the viewer’s attention with its detailed and expressive features. The brows, eyes, and slightly parted lips convey a sense of contemplative wonderment, a possible homage to Alice’s adventures and her curious nature.
Behind her, a fanciful landscape unfolds with an emerald green horizon punctuated by distinctly shaped trees that recede into the background, hinting at the expanse of her extraordinary environment. An elegant, dark crown rests atop her head, suggesting her royal status within the narrative of the Looking-Glass world.
The florals that are visible at the bottom of the artwork provide a contrast in both texture and color to the depiction of Alice, contributing to the richness of the scene. These embellishments around her offer a lush and vibrant tapestry that complements the illustration’s fantastical theme.
Lastly, a portion of dialogue from the story is included within the artwork, seamlessly integrating Carroll’s narrative with Blake’s visual interpretation. This interplay between text and image encourages the viewer to contemplate the correlation between the artwork and the literary moments it represents.
