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Museum-Quality Matte Paper Print available in two sizes:
12" x 16" (30cm x 40cm): $35.00
24" x 32" (60cm x 80cm): $48.00
 
“Roads go ever ever on,
Over rock and under tree,
By caves where never sun has shone,
By streams that never find the sea..." - The Hobbit, Chapter 19: The Last Stage
 
The many versions of hobbit Road poems and songs show how much importance J.R.R. Tolkien placed on this theme throughout The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings. Mr. Bilbo Baggins takes the Road to adventure, to mercy, to wisdom, and reward. Museum-quality prints of this original, hand-done painting show Bilbo looking out from the famous round door of Bag End and reflecting on where the Road has led him, and where it might yet take him.
 
An exciting aspect of this painting is that it faithfully renders J.R.R. Tolkien’s own beautiful illustration of Hobbiton, but here we are getting a reverse view as seen from the Hill. The grange, the mill, the river, the Great East Road, the Green Hill Country, and the edge of the Woody End can all be seen from the doorway, as Bilbo stands comfortably, enjoying his pipe. Details like the bell-pull and bi-colored tile floor are also carefully based on the Professor’s own authoritative depictions. 
 
While on the Road, Bilbo’s act of pity will lay the foundation for the rescue of Middle-earth from domination, and while he is frequently thought of as the hobbit who finds the Ring, it is far more important to remember Bilbo as the one who gives it up. In doing so, he is stronger than many mightier-seeming characters, and I’ve come to see that Bilbo’s open hand is one of his finest characteristics. He is free with his money in the Shire, he gives up the Arkenstone, his fair share of the dragon treasure, and Dain’s necklace. Perhaps because Bilbo sees the end of the Road and knows that no one can take wealth or power with them beyond their life in Middle-earth, he is one of the wisest figures we encounter in Tolkien’s legendarium.
 
If you could stand at the door of Bag End, where would you take the Road? Down into Hobbiton, over to Bywater for a little news at the Inn, south to the Tookland, west to Michel Delving, or east to Bree? By hanging a print of this painting in your home or office, you can celebrate the possibilities of the Road and remember Bilbo’s greatness.