The Earth Grew Dark (1923) – Harry Clarke Gothic Art Print

The Earth Grew Dark is a haunting 1923 illustration by Irish master of the macabre Harry Clarke, created for Edgar Allan Poe’s Tales of Mystery and Imagination. With its lacquer-black shadows, jewel-like tonal contrasts, and meticulous ornamental detail, this image distils Clarke’s unique gothic symbolism—beautiful, unsettling, and hypnotic at once.

Irish Gothic at Its Most Iconic

Clarke’s vision sits at the crossroads of Art Nouveau, Symbolism, and dark romanticism. Every line pulls the viewer deeper: theatrical silhouettes, eerie stillness, and an atmosphere that feels both medieval and modern. It is a definitive work for collectors drawn to Irish visual culture, literary history, and interiors with a darker, more dramatic mood.

Edition Size

This museum-quality reproduction is produced at 40 × 50 cm (16 × 20″), a carefully chosen format that preserves the intensity of Clarke’s original composition while making a powerful visual statement on the wall.

Perfect For

• Collectors of Harry Clarke, Irish illustration, and Symbolist art
• Gothic and “dark academia” interiors, libraries, and studies
• Literature lovers and Poe enthusiasts seeking a statement piece
• Meaningful gifting for readers, artists, and design-led homes

Collector-Grade Materials & Craftsmanship

Our ready-to-hang premium wooden frames, crafted from responsibly sourced oak or ash, feature unique wood grains for added character. The prints are produced on Master’s Edition, museum-quality paper—off-white, uncoated, and ideal for those seeking world-class quality: ready-to-hang with an included hanging kit; 20mm (0.79") frame thickness and width (wider than classic 14mm / 0.55"); 250gsm (110 lb) paper with 0.29mm (11.4 mil) thickness; matte, uncoated, natural-white archival finish; shatterproof plexiglass protection; and FSC-certified materials or equivalent.

Curated, Not Mass-Produced

Printed with exceptional clarity to preserve Clarke’s fine linework and tonal depth, this museum-quality framed reproduction is designed to live like an heirloom—dramatic on the wall, timeless in mood, and unmistakably Irish in cultural significance.