Book Cover for Die wundersame Ästhetik der Schonhaltung beim Ertrinken

The book cover illustration for Die wundersame Ästhetik der Schonhaltung beim Ertrinken, written by Florian Weber (known from the band Sportfreunde Stiller), serves as the visual foundation for the overall design and sets the tone for the novel’s unconventional, surreal narrative approach.

Book cover illustrations

The artwork is executed in the style of Victorian etchings, characterized by fine linework, controlled shading, and a high level of graphic precision.
The central motif combines a whale fin with an upright piano, creating a deliberately surreal scenario that mirrors the thematic direction of the story. This unusual pairing functions as a clear, objective representation of the novel’s imagery and atmosphere.
A restrained color palette supports the illustration without drawing attention away from its detail. The layout maintains clarity and readability, ensuring that the title, author name, and publisher information remain prominent and easily identifiable.
The book cover art was produced in cooperation with Viva con Agua, highlighting the collaborative nature of the project. Available at Penguin books.