The artwork titled “She gave the eagle her petticoat” is an illustration by the artist John Bauer, associated with the Art Nouveau (Modern) movement. This piece is part of the “Among gnomes and trolls” series, highlighting Bauer’s distinguished role in illustration.
The artwork portrays a fantastical scene set in a dense, dark forest. On one side of the image, a large, majestic eagle perches regally on a branch, emphasizing its grandeur and dominance. Facing the eagle is a small, human-like figure—likely a gnome or troll—who is depicted holding out a piece of clothing, identified as a petticoat, towards the eagle. The contrasting sizes between the figure and the eagle create a striking visual narrative of interaction between human-like beings and the natural world. The dark, shadowy ambiance of the forest, coupled with the light highlighting the interaction between the characters, encapsulates the mystical and whimsical essence typical of John Bauer’s illustrations.