The artwork titled “‘For instance now, now there’s the King’s messenger'” was created by Peter Blake in 1970. It belongs to the Pop Art movement and is classified under the genre of illustration. This particular piece is part of the series “Illustrations to ‘Through the Looking-Glass’.”
The artwork portrays a figure seated on a chair against a tiled wall, characterized by exaggerated features. The person depicted dons a large black top hat marked with a price tag stating “This Hat 5/-.” He is dressed in a vibrant, patterned shirt, brown pants, and a yellow bow tie. His hands rest on his knees, and a ball and chain are attached to his right leg, suggesting imprisonment. A red mug sits atop a table to his left, adding a subtle touch of color contrast to the scene. Through Blake’s depiction, the illustration embodies elements of whimsy and detailed storytelling, staying true to the fantastical nature of “Through the Looking-Glass.”
