The Demi Gods

Artist Harry Clarke (1889 - 1931)

Datec. 1927

MediumWatercolour on paper

Dimensions44.5 x 32 cm

ClassificationsWatercolours

Credit LineCollection & image © Hugh Lane Gallery. Purchased, 2001.

Object number1962

DescriptionThis watercolour is preparatory work for Clarke's stained glass masterpiece The Geneva Window, 1929, originally commissioned by the Irish Government to represent Ireland at the International Labour organisation in Geneva. The window unfortunately was never installed in its intended destination because of official disapproval at Clarke's depiction of some of the figures. The Geneva Window (Collection: Wolfsonian Foundation, Miami) consists of panels illustrating scenes from 20th century literature by Irish writers, playwrights and poets.

The Demi-Gods (From the book of the same name by James Stephens)

"The dark curtain of night moved noiselessly,

and the

three angels stepped nobly in the firelight."

The Demi-Gods by James Stephens (1914). Clarke here illustrates another twilight scene, from the second chapter of 'Book 1. Patsy MacCann' in Stephens' novel, dedicated to their mutual friend, Thomas Bodkin. Rustic Patsy and his daughter Mary are eating a camp supper beside the glowing brazier of a "little bucket of fire" when they are amazed to see three angels "gorgeously apparelled in silken robes of scarlet and gold and purple; upon their heads were crowns high in form and curious of intricated workmanship, and their wings...of many shining colours." While Patsy is aghast, his daughter (in glowing ruby dress) 'had slipped swift and noiseless...into the darkness behind her."

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