Chris Wormell - The Flood - from La Belle Sauvage (Wood Engraving)

The original engraving used to illustrate the great flood in 
The Book of Dust Volume I: La Belle Sauvage by Philip Pullman

Original wood engraving
Edition of 100
Signed and numbered by the Artist

Image size 18.5cm x 13cm
Paper size 35.5cm x 25cm

A massive, catastrophic flood is a central event in Philip Pullman's novel La Belle Sauvage, serving as the backdrop for the main action where Malcolm Polstead rescues the infant Lyra Belacqua from enemies, navigating treacherous, almost magical waters in his canoe, the titular La Belle Sauvage. The flood transforms the familiar landscape into something eerie and dangerous, marking a significant turning point in the story. 

“I’ve admired Chris Wormell’s artwork for a long time, and when the chance of having him illustrate the covers of my new novel came along I leapt at it. I relish his sure strong line and the graphic power of his images, in whatever medium he’s working. It’s been a delight to see the work emerge and I’m thrilled with the result.” Philip Pullman