The White Drake

Crawhall believed a work of art should appeal to the eye through technical values such as form, colour, and tone. Unlike many Victorian painters who produced sentimentalising interpretations of domestic pets, Crawhall respected the individuality of animals. He worked primarily from memory and would study the creatures intensely before attempting to distil the essence of their form and character. The White Drake appears within a natural habitat of vibrant colours. The considered organisation of dandelions, daisies, and reeds, coupled with the simplified profile of the drake, creates a flattened perspective and contributes to the overall decorative quality of the composition. Throughout, the White Drake demonstrates Crawhall's appreciation for the Japanese print and Chinese wash drawings on silk.