ALBERT GOODWIN, R.W.S. (BRITISH, 1845-1932)

The scene depicted is taken from The Adventures of Prince Camaralzaman and the Princess Badoura from the Arabian Nights. Camaralzaman was married to Princess Badoura, and when his father, King Schahzaman fell gravely ill, they both travelled together to visit him on his deathbed. On their journey they met misfortune when Camaralzaman found a precious talisman belonging to his wife. This talisman had been given to Princess Badoura by her mother, the Queen of China, to always ensure her happiness and safety. Whilst holding it to the light to better view the object, a bird swept down and swallowed it. The prince spent ten days in its pursuit, and this is the scene Goodwin illustrates from the tale, showing the prince on a cliff edge, tracking the bird. His hunt for the talisman instigated a series of disasters, but the lovers are happily reunited at the end of the tale.