Harry Clarke
, Irish, 1889-1931
Title
The Travelling CompanionMediumInk, graphite, watercolour gouache and glazes with bodycolour highlights on paper
Dimensions
44.7 x 32 cm
Signedlower left: HARRY CLARKE
Credit LineHeritage Gift, Lochlann and Brenda Quinn, 2008
Object numberNGI.2008.89.8
DescriptionIn The Travelling Companion a devout man named John meets a magical stranger who becomes his travelling companion and guardian. John falls in love with a Princess whose 'mantle was sewn together out of more than a thousand beautiful butterflies' wings'. In this illustration the Princess is depicted plotting his death with an evil magician who has transformed her into a witch with jet-black wings. With the help of his travelling companion, John breaks the spell and marries the Princess.Inscriptionon verso (in ink): The Travelling Companion. "Let him have his head cut off: but don't forget, when you come to me tomorrow night to bring me his eyes, for I'll eat them."Harry Clarke (inscribed on recto of mount) 35
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