EDMUND DULAC (BRITISH, 1882-1953)

Edmund Dulac was born in Toulouse and studied at the École des Beaux-Arts, Paris, from 1900-1903. It was during these studies that he encountered the work of the British artists Aubrey Beardsley (1872-1898), Edward Burne-Jones (1833-1898), and William Morris (1834-1896), beginning a life-long interest in their work, particularly their illustrations. Dulac moved to England in 1904, and he quickly gained commissions for illustrations for books including The Arabian Nights (1907) and Princess Badoura (1913), with his distinctive style setting him apart from those who inspired him.

The present watercolour depicts Princess Badroulboudour (sic), the wife of Aladdin, later anglicised to Jasmine. Though unpublished, this illustration was probably intended for use in either the Arabian Nights or for Princess Badoura. Stylistically, the present lot has more commonality with the illustrations in Princess Badoura.

Dulac uses a vibrant and bold colour palette, and consciously flattens the composition to evoke an Oriental style. This artistry, coupled with his use of Oriental motifs, conjures up a sensitive portrayal of Princess Badoura. Dulac demonstrates his ability in generating clear narratives, whilst also creating a stand-alone aesthetic work.