Fairies in Art

International Fairy Day is coming, June 24!

Fairies have been drawn, painted and sculpted in every size, shape and medium. A favorite of the Victorian era, fairy art was inspired by literature of William Shakespeare, Edward Robert Hughes and Edmund Spenser. Even photographers have convinced people of their existence. Photographs of the Cottingley fairies, taken in 1917, were accepted as authentic by much of the public. Cicely Mary Barker’s watercolor illustrations are some of the best known of the twentieth century. More recently, the artwork of Brian and Wendy Froud includes illustrations, sculpting, and doll and puppet design. The fairies of the Disney company bring fairy tales to life as animated characters. Even performance art portrays these charming folk. Here are two adorable videos to enjoy. Be sure to turn on your sound.

And one classical one based on Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”

Some of the more familiar artists and their artwork include:

• “Oberon, Titania, and Puck with Fairies Dancing” (c. 1786) by William Blake is a beautiful watercolor from the Romantic era. It illustrates a scene from ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream” by William Shakespeare.

• “Titania and Bottom” (c. 1790) by Henri Fuseli is another scene from “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”.

• “Dancing Fairies” (1866) by August Malmström portrays the morning mist, seeing a reflection in the water and turning into fairies.

• “Flower Fairies of the Spring” (1923) by Cicely Mary Barker is one of several displayed in her 27 books.

Whatever your style, there is fairy art for you. Enjoy finding just the right piece for your celebration of the fairies year-round.