This watercolour is a study for an oil painting by the artist of 1881, The Laidley Worm of Spindleston Heugh. The subject is taken from a Northumberland legend which tells of a princess transformed into a serpent, only restored to her true form by a brotherly kiss. The choice of subject reflects the taste of the Pre-Raphaelites, who were an influence on Crane. The drawing is a finished study but differs from the oil painting and shows the development of the composition. It also contains an element of landscape painting, with a view of Bamburgh Castle in the distance on the right.
More information
Title of artwork, date
Study for the Laidley Worm, c. 1880
Date supported
2006
Medium and material
Pen & brown ink & brown watercolour wash heightened with white
Dimensions
14.9 x 44.2 cm
Grant
2000
Total cost
8000
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