Antique print - Exquisite "Midas with the Pitcher" 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 "Midas with the Pitcher"
Midas or 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. Midas comes to hate the gift so much that he prays to Bacchus, begging to be delivered from starvation. Bacchus tells Midas to wash in the river Pactolus, and when he touches the waters, the power flows into the river, and the river sands turn into gold.
Exquisite colouring and detail to the king in his golden robe, dipping the water pitcher in the river, among the rushes and water lilies. |
