The artwork, titled “The Giant Cormoran was the Terror of All the Country-Side,” is a notable piece by the artist Arthur Rackham, who was associated with the Art Nouveau (Modern) movement. This illustration belongs to the genre of fairy tale illustrations and is part of the artwork series “English Fairy Tales.”
In the artwork, a colossal giant named Cormoran is depicted looming menacingly over a village scene, conveying a sense of dread that he instills among the countryside inhabitants. The giant’s exaggerated size compared to the small, rustic houses and frightened villagers highlights his terrifying presence. The background illustrates a peaceful, hilly landscape, contrasting sharply with the tension in the foreground. The delicate yet intricate style of the lines and the soft, muted colors are characteristic of Rackham’s distinctive style, capturing the essence of early 20th-century illustration.