Epic

Speaking of Howard Pyle's epic representations, isn't it amazing how an epic painting, below, begins with a rough pencil sketch, further below—typical of the way he determined definite compositions.

Howard Pyle — The Coming of Lancaster

Illustration for Harper's Monthly — May 1908

Howard Pyle — rough sketch for The Coming of Lancaster

Anthropomorphism

When you think of Howard Pyle's illustrations, you probably tend to think of King Arthur's knights, Robin Hood, pirates and other epic representations. But his early Wonder Clock tales slipped into some different kind of shoes — anthropomorphic characterizations, very nicely done.

Howard Pyle — from The Wonder Clock — 1888

In his distinctive way, this is what Wallace Tripp had to say about the subject, some 90 years later:

Wallace Tripp