Steampunk literature began proper somewhere toward the end of the 19th century, populised by writers such as H.G. Wells and Jules Verne. It's popularity has grown since, and is often perceptible in popular culture.
The vast majority of Steampunk illustration tends to be concept-driven, often appropriating familiar designs with 19th century aesthetic, and generally relies on the subversion of well-trodden material (See Steampunk Star Wars).
To conclude for the sake of brevity, it is an anarchic movement which frequently values form over function in response to the mainstream infatuation with 'dry minimalism'.
Charles Harbour
This book cover successfully summarises the whole sub genre; with the golden and bronze palette, the dense frame of valves and pipes and the nods to art deco. The composition is balanced and vaguely symmetrical, with the ornate title making use of noire-like type face.
Ben Lo
This concept art was developed during the creation of Bioshock Infinite, I would define it as illustration as it carries the purpose of informing asset creators and game developers to the intended tone, atmosphere and sense of space that the project aspired toward.
Keith Thompson
Illustration often enjoys strong ties to literature, this series of illustrations by Keith is no exception, they provide fictitious technical drawings of elements from the 'Leviathan Trilogy', they show high quality draftsmanship which supports the fantastical nature of the imagery.
I could have taken a screenshot of any part of the film Howls Moving Castle, but it was this initial design by Hayao summarises the chaotic mess of architecture and technology which characterises the titular castle.
Kate Beaton
In this short comic, Kate explores the fundamental hamartia of steampunk; that the vast majority of the material out there is saturated with functionless decoration.
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