The artwork titled “The dragon in the woods near Dublin” is an illustration by Arthur Rackham, a renowned artist associated with the Art Nouveau movement. Created for “The Legends of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table,” as re-told by Nelly Montijn-De Fouw, this illustration captures the magical and mystical themes that are typical of Rackham’s work and the legends of the Arthurian tales.
In this illustration, we see a dragon lying in a forested area with lush vegetation. The creature is prominently positioned in the foreground, partly submerged in what appears to be a pond or a small lake. It has a long, sinuous body with spotted skin and a subdued expression; its head rests peacefully on the shore, with eyes closed. A large, towering tree with a sinewy trunk and winding branches dominates the scene, along with other trees in the background, adding to the serene yet eerie ambiance of the woodland setting. The use of subtle hues and intricate line work is characteristic of Rackham’s style, with the gentle blending of colors creating a dream-like atmosphere. The fluid lines in the water reflect Rackham’s attention to detail and his skill in creating depth and movement within his compositions.