The Drawing is an illustration of an ancient Norse legend. According to legend the Valkyries had the power to pick up those whom they chose – warriors who had heroically fallen in battle – and carry them off to Valhalla.
This black and white drawing shows Brunnhilde, leader of the Valkyries, astride the eight-legged horse of the original myth.The composer, Richard Wagner, based his cycle of four monumental operas, Das Ring, on this legend. But he left out the horse. Mr. Rackham seems to have left out the extra legs.
Most drawings of women warriors are exaggerated comic-book versions of Wonder Woman, which wouldn’t do here at all. Or wistful creatures waiting to be saved. That certainly wouldn’t do here either!
It was important to look fierce, brave, and active. No wishy-washy simps for this warrior!
About The Artwork
The illustration for my logo was drawn by the English artist, Arthur Rackham (1884-1939). His career as an illustrator blossomed when the advent of color printing in the early 20th century created an exiting surge of illustrated children’s books. He first found fame in 1905 with illustration for Washington Irving’s Rip van Winkle, followed by Peter Pan by J.M. Barrie in 1906. Many people who have seen his work in Dickens Christmas Carol will recognize his style.
To learn more about Arthur Rackham and see many of his illustrations, visit the Wikipedia entry for Arthur Rackham: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arthur_Rackham. Although this particular illustration is out of copyright, many of his beautiful color illustrations can be purchased online through multiple Arthur Rackham websites.
Senior Warrior 