Back in 2002, in London, England, I met an artist named Van Howell. I was so impressed with his distinctive style of illustration that I commissioned him to create a poster for my show.

The cast of characters that he included in the poster is impressive. I’ve received emails from people who own the poster, requesting information about each character. Fortunately Van provided me with a detailed schematic list that describes his inspirations. He went on a treasure hunt through the National Gallery in London to find the perfect cast. Click the links below to see many of the truly gorgeous originals.

First, here’s the outline view:

Here is the key to each numbered figure:

1. Prince of Wales (later King Edward) c. 1875

2. Girl in shadow: Gladys Cooper, music hall star, c. 1910

3. Small black dog in arms of Gladys Cooper

4. Steve Cohen in persona of Wizard with shades of Sherlock Holmes, etc.

5. Judith with the head of Holofernes (latter not shown, behind #6), Gustav Klimt, c. 1900

6. Miss Camille Clifford, said to be the inspiration of “the Gibson Girl,” c. 1906

7. One of the “Gaiety Girls” in Lady Coodle’s party scene from “The Runaway Girl” (Gaeity Theatre, London, 1898-1900)

8. Male head from cartoon by D. Gibson, “Of course you can tell the future from cards” (title)

9. Viscount Milner, “Rigid imperialist” High Commission for South Africa during the Boer War

10. One of the Wyndham sisters, painted by Sargent in 1900

11. Marcel Proust, eccentric author

12. Claude Debussy, composer of “La Mer,” etc.

13. Another Wyndham sister, see #10

14. Joseph Chamberlain, leader of Liberal Unionists, etc., painted by Sargent in 1906 (monocle)

15. Time-traveling Chamber Magic attendee (from a 2001 photo)

16. (With pipe:) Arnold Bennett, novelist

17. Personification of Time, from Bronzino’s “Allegory with Venus and Cupid” (National Gallery, London), c. 1540

18. A shepherd, from Titian “Holy Family with a Shepherd” (National Gallery, London), c. 1510

19. Another time-traveling Chamber Magic attendee, with hair and features borrowed from Ellen Terry (who may have introduced 40-year-old George Bernard Shaw to sex, c. 1905)

20. Dame Rebecca West‘s sister Letitia, feeding blackberries to DRW in 1900

21. The Virgin, from Corregio’s “Ecce Homo” (National Gallery, London), c. 1525

22. Angel, or retired whore M. Magdalene, comforting swooning virgin (see #21)

23. Young lady from “The Amazement of the Gods” by Hans van Aachen

24. Companion of young lady (see #23)

25. Ganymede about to get raped by Jupiter disguised as an eagle, by Damiano Mazza, c. 1575 (National Gallery, London)

26. Jupiter disguised as an eagle, about to rape Ganymede

27. Unnamed Rabbit, “familiar” of Wizard (see #4)

And just for completeness’ sake, I suggested the composition of this illustration be based on one of my favorite book covers from the late 19th century, “The Fireside Magician.” The book was published in 1870, and I have an original in my collection. Here’s the cover image:

And Van Howell’s image for comparison

I have the original hanging on my wall in New York. Here’s a tip for framing – always go for the museum quality glass. It’s a little more expensive, but it eliminates any glare, and you can enjoy the artwork more freely. For years, I’ve been using Paris Framemakers in New York. They do an exceptional job with framing, even delicate and one-of-a-kind pieces.