Grimshaw | Spirit of the night 1879 | CC0889 Poster

The Victorians, living in an ever-growing industrialist society, sometimes needed the escape of otherworldly images. John Atkinson Grimshaw contributed with a few fairy paintings, here the beautiful Spirit of the night (1879). The model for this painting is Agnes Leefe, actress at the Leeds Grand Theatre. The picture shows a fairy in the night, hovering above a seaside village. A few night lights illuminates the scene: the moon and the moonlight on the water, the stars and perhaps also some village gas lights. Another light source is the fairy herself. As always, Grimshaw is very interested in light effects, especially during the night. He depicts a fantastical and, at the same time, very lifelike fairy, with shimmering skin and wings, and dressed only a transparent veil. Digital restoration for the best print quality (May 2021). Careful enhancements with respect to light, contrast and colours. Also disturbing dirt and scratches has been removed.