…and making it into a great cross, I set it up on the shore where i first landed
1920
N.C. Wyeth brings Daniel Defoe's classic tale of survival to life in this striking 1920 illustration for *Robinson Crusoe*. We see the stranded sailor carving a makeshift wooden cross on a rocky coastline, marking the date of his arrival—September 30th—while his loyal dog naps peacefully nearby. The bright blue sky and fluffy clouds contrast sharply with the isolation of the scene, capturing a moment of hope and faith amidst desolation. Wyeth's signature dynamic composition and rich colors made him one of the most celebrated illustrators of the Golden Age of Illustration.