John Austen (illustrator)

John Austen (1886-1948) was a British book illustrator, known primarily for his Art Nouveau and Art Deco-influenced illustrations of classic literature, as well as for his contributions to magazines and periodicals. Austen's work is characterized by its elegant lines, intricate details, and often fantastical or macabre subject matter.

He was born in Kent, England, and studied at the London County Council School of Arts and Crafts. He began his career illustrating periodicals like The Bystander, The Graphic, and Nash's Magazine. Austen gained recognition for his distinctive style and his ability to blend elements of both Art Nouveau and the emerging Art Deco movements.

Austen is best known for his book illustrations, including works such as Oscar Wilde's Salomé (1920), William Shakespeare's Hamlet (1922) and Romeo and Juliet (1927), Edgar Allan Poe's Tales of Mystery and Imagination (1928), and Charles Perrault's Tales of Passed Times Written for Mother Goose (1922). He also illustrated Anatole France's The Gods Are Athirst (1927), which showcased his darker and more satirical side.

His illustrations often featured strong female figures, decadent scenes, and a decorative use of black and white contrast. While he used colour in some of his work, Austen was particularly adept at using line and shadow to create dramatic and atmospheric effects. He was part of a generation of British illustrators who helped shape the visual culture of the early 20th century. While not as widely known as some of his contemporaries like Aubrey Beardsley, his work remains admired for its sophistication, originality, and distinctive aesthetic. His later work, especially after the 1930s, showed a shift away from Art Deco influences.