John Tenniel's iconic image of Alice's “telescoping” body—shown here in a preparatory drawing—illustrates one of several moments in Lewis Carroll's novel when Alice questions her identity. Adjusting to her outward change, she wonders whether it was preceded by an internal metamorphosis: “Was I the same when I got up this morning? … But if I’m not the same...Who in the world am I?” Beginning shortly after its publication in 1865, Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland was adapted to other genres and mediums, including nursery tales, plays, games, lantern slides, and films. Although Carroll authorized several adaptations, some were unlicensed, with art that exhibits slight changes to Tenniel's designs—just enough to avoid charges of copyright infringement.
John Tenniel (1832–1914), Alice Grown Tall, ca. 1860s. Graphite, pen, and brown ink on wove paper. Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Benjamin Gale, 1982.11:2.