This illustration included on page one of "The Fisherman and His Soul" is a beautiful and simple design to begin the book. It is black and white and frames an illuminated capital E.
In this minimalist yet captivating illustration, a graceful fish glides amidst delicate strands of seaweed. The interplay of light and dark forms creates a sense of depth, while the absence of color adds a timeless and classic feel. The composition captures the tranquil beauty of the underwater world, evoking a sense of balance and unity between the fish and the surrounding seaweed.
Both illustrations are just ornaments to the page, taking up little space, and leaving room for the imagination. The purpose of them could be to give the readers aid in picturing the story as they read. The illustration of the fish is centered in the open space of the page, behind it is a simplistic drawing of coral or seaweed and the sandy oceans bottom. The art piece makes the page more powerful and leads the reader to understand the urge of the fisherman as the creatures under water are very beautiful. The entire story the fisherman is appalled of the sea people beauty, who are also so pale because they are missing their soles. Because of the use of forms put together Nadejen's illustration seems to conform to the art deco style coined in the 1960's. Art Deco is an art style that uses simple, clean shapes, geometric or stylized ornament, and varied materials. Both the fish and the letter E are made out of shapes and designs, black and white, simple, and that conforms to the description of the art deco style.
Personally, the simplicity of the art makes it beautiful to me, it sends a message. The message is what makes it memorable because it is portraying that you can see beauty in the smallest, simplest things. Theodore Nadejen accomplished creating a loaded meaning for simple art, the simplistic yet thoughtfully articulated small in truistic designs on the page can give insight and deeper meaning to the reader if one so chooses.