The Lion, the Unicorn, and the Hare

Watercolor & 24-ct gold leaf on paper, 34 x 34 cm, Private Collection

This was a commissioned piece. The animals chosen by the commissioner are dancing in a circle, which has a special personal significance for her. The inspiration also comes, of course, from The Lady and the Unicorn, the wonderful series of European medieval tapestries with mille-fleurs backgrounds (circa 1500). Another important influence is The Mysterious Garden painted by The Master of Guillame de Machaut around 1360—sometimes said to be the very first landscape painting. The wood I portray here comprises British trees: the oak, the ash, horse chestnut and yew, and wildflowers like wood anemones and foxgloves. Small creatures are hidden in the undergrowth. As you look, more and more is slowly revealed.

Detail

Detail