Artwork
The Dragon
The Dragon is a print by Charles de Sousy Ricketts. It dates from 1908 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.
About this work
Overview
Created circa 1908 by Charles de Sousy Ricketts, *The Dragon* is a black‑and‑white print now in the Cleveland Museum of Art. The composition depicts a dimly lit interior where a large, serpentine creature occupies a ledge on the right, while a handful of figures gather around a table illuminated by a single lamp. The work captures a moment of tension through stark contrasts of light and shadow.
Subject & Meaning
The central figure, interpreted as a dragon, dominates the space with its coiled form, suggesting both menace and mystery. Opposite the creature, the small group of people appear apprehensive, their faces partially lit, implying a narrative of confrontation or uneasy coexistence within the confined setting.
Technique & Style
Ricketts employs pronounced chiaroscuro, using deep blacks against bright highlights to heighten drama. The lines are rendered with a rough, textured quality that conveys immediacy, while the tight compositional framing draws the eye to the interplay between the creature’s silhouette and the flickering lamp’s glow.
History & Provenance
Born in Geneva to an English father and French mother, Ricketts was active in illustration, typography, and stage design. He produced *The Dragon* during a period of extensive collaboration with his partner Charles Shannon, whom he met while studying in London. The print entered the Cleveland Museum of Art’s collection, where it remains on display.
Artist & collection
Artist
Charles de Sousy Ricketts (2 October 1866 – 7 October 1931) was a British artist, illustrator, author and printer, known for his work as a book designer and typographer and for his costume and scenery designs for plays and operas.
