My post “Undine” (Illustrated by Arthur Rackham) contains the Encyclopaedia Britannica entry on the author Friedrich de La Motte Fouqué, whose
I finished reading last night. The author’s name appears on the spine, as does similar decoration, but as quite often in this golden age of book illustration the artist is given pride of place on this front board, still glowing after the 112 years since the publication of 1908.
The Durer engraving on the frontispiece is the work which inspired the author’s tale from the days of knightly gestes.
This somewhat Gothic romance can be read at the level of an adventure story of a young Knight’s search for himself or of the conflict between saintly Christianity and pagan passion personified by Sintram’s parted parents. The author’s descriptive poetic prose ensures an easy read. A. C. Farquharson’s fluid translation must have contributed to this. As usual I will not give details of the story.
Wikipedia describes “Edmund Joseph Sullivan (1869–1933), usually known as E. J. Sullivan, [w]as a British book illustrator who worked in a style which merged the British tradition of illustration from the 1860s with aspects of Art Nouveau.”
Here are scans of his exquisite traditional drawings for this book.
Nick Hayter, who is to start decorating for us next week, visited to check over details. This was necessary because he was due to begin in March before Covid-19 lockdown forced him to stop working for some time.
This afternoon, enticed by the clear blue light, Jackie photographed
the Weeping Birch;
and another cobaea scandens.
This evening Elizabeth joined us for dinner which consisted of Jackie’s perfect pork paprika; creamy potato and swede mash; roasted sweet potatoes; and crunchy carrots, followed by aromatic apple pie and cream. The Culinary Queen drank Hoegaarden while Elizabeth and I finished the Malbec.
It’s rare to see such good drawing skills these days.
We have some quite heavy rain the past to evenings. It sound like and ocean had been dropped on us but the new drainage has done it’s job.
Pork paprika sounds good Jackie. Another recipe I wouldn’t mind trying. 🙂
Thanks very much, Chrissy
The recipe is in this post, Chrissy https://derrickjknight.com/2016/11/28/the-nightingale/
WOW Thanks. I’ll definitely try it.
🙂
I will have to interpret some of the ingredients/ brands but it’s attached to my next shopping list. 🙂
🙂
With the deletion of mushrooms of which Norm detests, I manage to find all ingredients. Tonight I gave it ago.
Norm’s response “yum, yum yum”. I think we have a favorite. 🙂
That is good to know. “Oh Wow” says Jackie
Gorgeous book and I love the three photographs. Top grade post.
Thanks a lot, Sherry. Much appreciated.
Expressive and dynamic illustrations, in sharp contrast with Durer’s engraving which had inspired La Motte Fouque to begin with.
Thank you very much, Dolly
You are very welcome, Derrick.
What a splendid library you have Derrick! I am very envious.
Thank you very much, Sheree.
Magnificent drawings Derrick, and I’m taken aback with ‘Dwarf’s’ fearsome appearance…
Thanks very much, Ivor
The illustrations are splendid! They really enhance the reading experience of those old books.
You know I agree, Liz. Thanks very much.
You’re welcome, Derrick.
Well crafted illustrations! Love Jackie’s photos of trees against a blue sky.
Many thanks from us both, Rosaliene
You have some patience scanning all these books!
I love Jackie’s photos of the weeping birch.
Thanks a lot, from us both, Sue
What a wonderful book
Thanks very much, Gary
The illustrations in that book are beautifully done, Derrick. And I loved the photos of your October blue skies and colorful foliage and flowers.!
It was 24 degrees here this morning. a bit cold for this time of year.
Thank you so much from us both, Lavinia
A beautiful book and illustrations, like the cobaea scandens. Jackie must have been reading my mind, because I have been wanting a closer look at the weeping birch. Her photos are breathtaking!
Thank you very much from us both, JoAnna.
Great illustrations! Jackie’s photos are beautiful.
Thank you very much from us both, Jill
Fabulous illustrations—full of vivid life. I always enjoy seeing branches and leaves against a blue sky. Lucky is the person who is invited to your house for dinner.
Thank you so much, Laurie
One could lose oneself in the detail of those drawings. How differently books are illustrated these days!
Quite so, Anne. Thanks very much.
These illustrations are beautiful and capture me into the scenes!
Jackie’s photos of the weeping birch are so amazing! It’s like nature’s drapery made from beautiful leaves! 🙂
HUGS!!! 🙂
Thank you very much from us both, Carolyn X
Elaborate Illustrations such as those are precursors to what we have come to know as graphic fiction. The unusual angles of the photographs produced by Jackie have given a rare presence to the autumnal canopies.
Thank you very much, Uma. I agree with both your observations – that’s why I chose all Jackie’s photographs
Looks like fall is there. We had about two weeks of fall before slipping into winter. We have an six to eight inch white blanket on the ground.
It is years since we had such snow. Thanks very much, Mrs W
At least it was not windy causing a blizzard. Most shows come with a brutal wind.
Beautiful drawings.
I like Jackie’s light through the weeping birch leaves photos.
I agree entirely, Merril
Those illustrations are exceptional. What a story it must be, seemingly dark and dramatic, from the illustrations. I admit it was a relief to step into the sunshine and look up into the trees. What are you having the place decorated for?
You summed up the story so well, Crystal. We have been in the house for seven years and are slowly working our way through putting right the previous owners’ desecrations. The kitchen and sitting room are well overdue e.g. good coats of paint and removal of a dado rail masquerading as a picture rail. Thanks very much.
Oh that’s fun news! I’m glad you are bringing dignity back to the desecrated sections.
🙂
Gothic romance, sounds interesting 😉 and the illustrations are really nice!
Jackie had a great inspiration, wonderful photos and dinner too 😉
Many thanks, Ribana.
I don’t know this one, but I re-read Undine only a couple of weeks ago and it lingered with me. Love the cobaea scandens – flower and picture. 🙂
Thanks very much, Susan
This is simply beautiful. Great books!
The last shot is amazing!
Thanks very much from us both, Geetha
You are both most welcome Derrick 🙂
18 of the original drawings are in the Morgan Library https://www.themorgan.org/drawings/item/300397
I am still holding out for the possibility of obtaining one of the missing 2. I have an original drawing from more than 10 of his illustrated books.