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| Antique print - Exquisite "The Stranger appearing to King Midas" 1893 Walter Crane A gorgeous, high quality, illustration by one of Britain's most well-respected illustrators and artists of the period. Walter Crane was a painter, decorator, designer, book illustrator, writer and socialist. Born in Liverpool in 1845, his technical background allowed him to develop a much greater craftsmanship in the art of the book than any other contemporary artist. He had the great strength of being principally an illustrator and not merely a painter who illustrated books. The Paris Commune had a powerful influence on him and led to his association with William Morris and the socialist cause.
Although direct followers are hard to pin down, Crane was widely influential and the Crane style appears in the Art School work of the 1890s and 1900s. (Houfe)
Exquisite detail and colouring to this image of "The Stranger appearing to King Midas". King Midas is remembered in Greek mythology for his ability to turn everything he touched into gold. This was called the Golden touch, or the Midas touch. The god Bacchus (Dionysus) grants Midas this amazing ability, but although initially Midas cannot believe his luck, disaster strikes when he touches his daughter who instantly turns to gold. Here the unknown Stranger visits Midas to see how he likes his gift... Beautiful colouring and detail to the king with his golden treasures and the stranger (Hermes the winged messenger) dressed in winged boots and headdress |
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