“A Mad Tea Party” is an illustration by Arthur Rackham, a renowned artist known for his work in the Art Nouveau style, which is often categorized as Modern. This artwork is part of a series created for the classic literary work “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland.”
In the illustration, one can observe a scene set at a long, disorderly table cluttered with numerous teacups and teapots. The table is occupied by three figures: the Mad Hatter, who is characterized by his top hat and eccentric attire, sits at one end, while the March Hare, with distinctively large ears and a somewhat maniacal expression, is positioned on the opposite side. Between them sits Alice herself, the central figure of the story, with an intrigued yet bemused expression. Behind the group, there is a dense backdrop of trees and foliage that adds to the whimsical and chaotic nature of the scene typical of Alice’s fantastical adventures. Rackham’s use of fine lines and cross-hatching generates detailed textures and depth, bringing this fanciful and lively gathering to life with a touch of whimsy and the distinctive style of the Art Nouveau movement.