Harry Clarke
, Irish, 1889-1931
Title
The Elf-hillMediumInk, graphite, watercolour gouache and glazes with bodycolour highlights on paper
Dimensions
41.4 x 23.1 cm
Signedlower right: HARRY CLARKE
Credit LineHeritage Gift, Lochlann and Brenda Quinn, 2008
Object numberNGI.2008.89.10
DescriptionThe Elf hill is a fairy tale about a feast held by the Elf King in his mound for the Gnome Chief of Norway and his two sons. The Elf King's daughters, paraded before the guests as potential brides, display their talents. Clarke captures the elf maidens' graceful dance, as they float against the theatrical backdrop of the moon in this delicately balanced composition: 'The elf girls…danced with shawls which were woven of mist and moonshine.' The combination of vivid colour and stylized pattern make this a strikingly imaginative illustration.Inscriptionon verso (in ink): The Elf-hill./The Elf Maidens had already begun to dance, and they danced a scarf dance...
(in pencil): 40
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