Put his strange case before old Solomon Caw (1913)

"Put his strange case before old Solomon Caw" is a captivating illustration by Arthur Rackham, a renowned artist known for his distinctive approach to book illustrations. This artwork, created in 1913, is steeped in a dreamlike and somewhat somber atmosphere, characteristic of Rackham’s style.In the painting, a young boy, garbed in a flowing robe that harks back to traditional or fairy tale costumes, stands on the gnarled branches of an ancient tree. He gazes earnestly at a large, wise-looking crow perched nearby, embodying the character of Solomon Caw from J.M. Barrie’s "Peter Pan in Kensington Gardens." Below, on the ground, two whimsical, fairy-tale creatures—a mix between beasts and rodents—are engaged in a curious, animated discussion, possibly about the boy’s predicament.The setting is ethereal and muted, with a backdrop that suggests a tranquil, albeit eerie, landscape. The use of monochrome in Rackham's illustration enhances the mystical and timeless quality of the scene, inviting viewers to delve into a world where the boundaries between reality and the imaginary blur."Put his strange case before old Solomon Caw" not only showcases Rackham’s masterful pen and ink technique but also his ability to evoke a narrative that is as enchanting as it is mysterious. Through these means, Rackham transforms a simple moment into a story steeped in wonder and intrigue.