Nev, the Practical Dean // Nev, the Practical Dean

Nev, the Practical Dean is part of the Art Series released in 2021 as a supplement to the Strixhaven: School of Mages expansion for Magic: The Gathering. These cards were designed to highlight the illustrative talent behind the set, featuring full-art versions of the primary set's cards on the front and the artist's signature on the back. This specific piece represents the Dean of the Silverquill College, a faction focused on eloquence and ink-based magic, reflecting the aesthetic themes of academia and magical prestige central to the Strixhaven plane.

The artwork for this card was created by illustrative artist Magali Villeneuve, known for her contributions to high-fantasy card games and literature. Her design for Nev emphasizes the sharp, contrast-heavy aesthetic of Silverquill, balancing the rigid structure of the character's attire with the fluid, ethereal nature of his magic. Upon its release, the Art Series was well-received by collectors who sought to appreciate the detailed character studies of the Strixhaven faculty without the mechanical constraints of traditional gameplay cards.