Pauline Baynes: Chrysophylax the Dragon : Farmer Giles of Ham

Fantasy illustration is well represented in children's book publishing. In the 19th century, it was considered a minor art, and it was often left to women, who were associated with the traditional role of storytellers and educators of the youngest children. Many female artists, such as the British Kate Greenaway (1846-1901), who worked with John Ruskin, or Margaret Tarrant (1888-1959), but also the American Jessie Willcox Smith (1863-1935), illustrated fantasy stories using figurative or naïve imagery considered at the time to be suitable for young audiences. Pauline Baynes (1922-2008), a favourite illustrator of J.R.R. Tolkien, developed this tradition in her own way to stage fantasy stories, especially those for children