Il Saggiatore is one of Italy’s most renowned independent publishing houses, known for its focus on literature, philosophy, cultural criticism, and contemporary thought. Founded in Milan in 1958, the publisher has built a strong identity around intellectually driven and visually distinctive editorial projects.

For the cover of the book Altavìa, I created an illustration inspired by the story’s exploration of the deep — and at times uneasy — relationship between humanity and the wilderness. Set within the Alpine landscape, the narrative follows three friends venturing into the mountains while being guided by the silent presence of the wolf: an elusive and symbolic creature, guardian of a world far older than our own.

The artwork was conceived to evoke a sense of mystery, distance, and immersion in the natural environment, balancing narrative tension with a contemplative atmosphere. Through the use of symbolic imagery and layered composition, the illustration reflects the psychological and emotional dimension of the journey as much as its physical setting.