The article attempts to find relationship between popular scientific literature, its illustrations and fine art. There are two works which are examinated: richly illustrated popular scientific novel The end of the World (1893) by Camille Flammarion and cycle of tinted wood-cuts Dream about the Earth (1919) by Josef Váchal. Both authors share common theme of birth, evolution and destruction of the world. Paper is concentrated on 1) scientific and artistic view at the same problem; 2) searching for non-artistic sources for Váchal’s cycle. Flammarion’s view is full of optimism and belief in beneficial impact of progress to the humankind. On contrary Flammarion’s certitude and enthusiasm for the progress is attenuated in Váchal’s cycle, especially by the transposition to the dreamy vision which includes diverse visual sources well known to then public (illustrations from popular prehistoric narrative, microscopic, telescopic and fossil depictions, reference to theosophy or futuristic visions).