Harry Clarke
, Irish, 1889-1931
Title
The Garden of ParadiseMediumInk, graphite, watercolour, gouache and glazes with bodycolour highlights
Dimensions
39.2 x 27.6 cm
Signedupper right: HARRY/CLARKE
Credit LineHeritage Gift, Lochlann and Brenda Quinn, 2008
Object numberNGI.2008.89.1
DescriptionThis illustration exemplifies Clarke's inventive use of exuberant pattern and rich colour, evident in the exotically detailed costumes of the fanciful characters he portrays. The tale tells of a Prince who is lured by the delights of the Garden of Paradise and the dancing fairy, surrounded 'by the most beautiful maidens, floating and slender, clad in gauzy mist'. In the end the Prince, ignoring the fairy's warning not to kiss her, gives in to temptation, which causes all to vanish into the black night.Inscriptionon verso (in ink): The Garden of Paradise./"Now we will begiin our/ dances! Cried the Fairy"./Harry Clarke
ProvenanceA.& M. Shands, USA, by 1994; The Fine Art Society, London; Heritage Gift, Lochlann and Brenda Quinn, 2008Exhibition HistoryHarry Clarke: Ten Original Illustrations for Hans Christian Andersen's Fairy Tales, The Fine Art Society, London, 2008