Dramatic and charming are the two words I think of when I look at this vintage white seal drawing by Oliver Herford (1863-1935). Herford just seems to give any animal he draws so much personality. This poor little seal looks frightened to me and considering the book he came from talked about using his lovely pelt for coats, I would be frightened too.
Even with the obvious fear in his eyes, this seal drawing still exudes the charm that so characterizes much of Herford’s work. Here we have a black on white drawing where the white seal is swimming in near-black water. It’s a bold and dramatic drawing. I do so hope someone can use it.
This image is copyright free and in the public domain anywhere that extends copyrights 70 years after death or at least 120 years after publication when the original illustrator is unknown.
