Fairy art has been bringing the elusive creatures to life and capturing imaginations of an appreciative audience for generations. The typical fairy depicted in art works is usually human in appearance with some element, such as wings, that implies magical powers. While diminutive Tinkerbell sized fairies are more of the norm today, original variations portrayed them as tall angelic figures or short trolls full of wisdom.
While paintings by William Blake depict fairies before the 1800’s, it wasn’t until the Victorian era started in 1837 that fairy paintings enjoyed a kind of renaissance and gained a broader audience. Developments in stage productions that improved the quality of theatrical performances brought productions with a fantasy theme, such as Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream with its focus on the magical land of fairies, to the attention of a broader audience. Fairy paintings not only enchanted the general public, but also received recognition from the art world as well. Paintings by fairy artist John Anster Fitzgerald was featured at the Royal Academy in London.
Interest in fairy art started to fade in the early 1900’s and it wasn’t until the 1970’s that the enchanted world of fairies found a wider appreciative audience. Illustrated fairy books by talented illustrators like Brian Froud made the fairy world, often surrounded by myth and fantasy, appealing and accessible to new audiences. In 2003 a book titled The art of the Faery written by David Riche, featured the work of 20 fairy artists who contributed to this renewed interest in fairy art. Today fairy art illustrations and sculptures keep the magic alive for people who welcome the idea of adding a little fantasy and pixie dust into their lives.