Harry Clarke
, Irish, 1889-1931
Title
"See Fierce Belinda on the Baron Flies"Date1913
MediumInk and traces of graphite underdrawing on card
Dimensions
36.9 x 28 cm
Signedupper right (in ink): Harry. Clarke 1913
on verso (in graphite): Harry Clarke/ 1913
Credit LinePurchased, 1936
Object numberNGI.2960
DescriptionClarke's set of wistful yet humorous illustrations to Alexander Pope's Rape of the Lock was commissioned by his early patron Laurence Ambrose Waldron. The National Gallery of Ireland purchased them from Waldron's niece Cicily O'Kelly in 1936. Clarke mastered the same type of dotted line first used by Aubrey Beardsley in his pen and ink illustrations intended for process line production. Comparisons are often made with Beardsley's rendering of Pope's poem, published in 1896. 'See fierce Belinda on the Baron flies'
With more than usual lightning in her eyes; [Canto 5th]
The artifice of 18th century manners is perfectly captured in the facial expressions and poses of the protagonists in this scene, exposing both Belinda's outrage and the Baron's remorse. A myriad of meticulously rendered detail is evident in the flamboyant costumes, which the art historian Kenneth Clark has described as 'ersatz 18th century'.
Exhibition HistoryIrish Watercolours and Drawings, McMullen Museum of Art Boston College, Boston, 4 October 1993 – 5 December 1993
Bristle: Hair and Hegemony, Highlanes Gallery, Drogheda, 07 July - 25 September 2017
See Also/See Also
