Two of Spades (1915) Costume Design for Alice in Wonderland (1915) by William Penhallow Henderson. Archival Print on Museum Quality Matte Paper. Premium Wood Framed Wall Art. Original Aspect Ratio

William Penhallow Henderson's "Two of Spades" (1915), a costume design for "Alice in Wonderland," stands as a testament to the artist's unique synthesis of American modernism and a deep appreciation for the whimsical. Henderson, an American painter, architect, and furniture designer, was renowned for his ability to traverse the boundaries between fine art and applied design, a skill vividly manifested in this particular piece.

Born in 1877 in Massachusetts, Henderson was initially trained at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, where he absorbed the influences of the Arts and Crafts Movement. His career journeyed through various phases, including a significant period in the American Southwest, which profoundly impacted his artistic vocabulary. While he is often celebrated for his architectural and furniture designs, his contributions to costume and set design reveal his versatility and imaginative prowess.

"Two of Spades" exemplifies Henderson's flair for integrating vibrant color palettes with bold, geometric forms, a hallmark of his modernist approach. His work often conveyed a philosophical quest to merge functionality with aesthetic beauty, reflecting the ideals of the Arts and Crafts Movement. In this design, Henderson captures the fantastical essence of Lewis Carroll's narrative, using exaggerated shapes and playful motifs to evoke the surreal world of Wonderland.

The significance of "Two of Spades" lies in its embodiment of early 20th-century artistic experimentation, where the boundaries between art, craft, and design were increasingly blurred. Currently, this piece is preserved in a private collection, continuing to inspire discussions on the intersections of art and design in modernist contexts.

Artist Name: William Penhallow Henderson

Artwork Name: Two of Spades (1915) Costume Design for Alice in Wonderland

Artwork Date: 1915

Artist Nationality: American

Artistic Style or Movement: Modernism

Genre: Costume Design

Period: Early 20th Century

Medium: Watercolor and Ink on Paper

Technique: Illustration

Cultural and Geographic Context: United States

early 20th century

Thematic or Conceptual Context: Interpretation of literary work

Artist's Intent and Context: To create visual interpretations for a theatrical production

Formal elements and Composition: Use of color

line

and form to convey character and theme.

Elevate your space with museum-quality fine art prints. Archival inks, oak or ash frames, sustainable materials. Ready to hang, timeless style.

Bring the elegance of timeless art into your home with this museum-grade wall print, designed for discerning collectors and art lovers alike. More than décor, this print invites moments of reflection and appreciation, transforming your space into a personal gallery.

Each print is crafted to the highest standard:

True-to-life color & detail – Printed with archival, pigment-based inks for exceptional depth and lasting vibrancy.

Premium framing options – Custom-built in natural oak or ash wood with shatterproof plexiglass for durability and elegance.

Gallery-standard materials – Archival-grade, acid-free paper with a glare-free finish.

Sustainable craftsmanship – FSC-certified papers and responsibly sourced wood frames.

Ready to hang – Delivered fully framed and display-ready.

Don’t miss your chance to own a masterpiece that endures across generations.
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