A 1893 book cover design by Willem Wenckebach, featuring hand-drawn typography and ink illustrations of tropical trees, intended for the publication by Thérèse Hoven.

This work is a preparatory book cover design by the Dutch artist Willem Wenckebach, created in 1893. It was intended for the publication 'Onder de palmen en waringins' by the author Thérèse Hoven. The design reflects the aesthetic sensibilities of the late nineteenth century, where typography and illustration were integrated to create a cohesive visual identity for literary works.

Wenckebach employs a clear, graphic approach, using bold black ink lines to define the palm tree and the waringin (banyan) tree that dominate the composition. The drawing is framed by a simple rectangular border, typical of the period's book design conventions. The text, which occupies the central space, is rendered in a hand-drawn, slightly irregular style that complements the organic forms of the trees. The use of yellow wash for the lettering provides a contrast against the monochrome ink work, drawing the eye directly to the title and author's name.

The inclusion of handwritten notes at the bottom of the sheet provides insight into the production process. These annotations specify the intended application of gold leaf for the lettering, indicating that the final printed cover was meant to have a tactile, metallic quality. This design demonstrates Wenckebach's skill in balancing illustrative elements with functional graphic design. The work is held in the collection of the Rijksmuseum, reflecting its value as a record of Dutch publishing history and the graphic arts during the transition into the twentieth century.