Gotch explained it as the child 'standing alone and unafraid in the innermost, horridest home of the Dragon, called the World, who is powerless against her innocence'. The artist spent a substantial amount of time researching the dragon in books on heraldry and the result is a major contribution to symbolist painting. GotchÂ’s daughter became the Marquise de Verdieres, and established a successful career as a concert singer. In later life she played a leading and energetic role in stopping the Newlyn slum clearances by the council, thus retaining the Cornish townÂ’s picturesque charm which is still enjoyed today.

Provenance

Hugh Harman, 1904; private collection, Australia; Maas Gallery; Private collection. Sold through Rupert Maas. The work has been vetted by the Art Loss Register.