Snape by Bab

Illustrations are in the style of W.S. Gilbert (the “words” half of Gilbert and Sullivan), who signed his cartoons “Bab” after a childhood nickname. Just as our talented Severus was simultaneously potions master, defence master, and master spy, Gilbert was a master dramatist, comic poet, and cartoonist, all rolled into one. My cartoons are meant to accompany my filksong “Disagreeable Sev” for the Artful Snape contest at Spinner’s End. [link]

This is early Bab: strange, distorted creatures dreamed up by the wild young comic poet and illustrator, not the later elegant, balanced figures drawn by the respectable middle-aged dramatist. Included are a number of features characteristic of Gilbert’s early cartoons: enormous hooked noses that start from the hairline, huge ears, long, stick-like arms and legs, giant hair buns on women, and females over forty who range from distinctly plain to downright hideous.

The original illustrations were woodblock prints, therefore all the shading is done in crosshatching. I hate crosshatching! It is also a technique that does not transfer well to being scanned. Too many jaggies, alas.

References from: W.S. Gilbert, "The Bab Ballads," edited by James Ellis, Cambridge MA: Belknap Press, 1970.
First panel: Very closely based on two illustrations for Gilbert’s poem “Sir Macklin” page 110
Second panel: Bellatrix Lestrange closely based on an illustration for Gilbert’s poem “Babette’s Love” page 107
Third panel: Severus Snape loosely based on an illustration for Gilbert’s poem “John and Freddy” page 100