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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
“Many jewels the Noldor gave them, opals and diamonds and pale crystals, which they strewed upon the shores and scattered in the pools; marvelous were the beaches of Elendë in those days.” - The Silmarillion, Chapter 5: Of Eldamar and the Princes of the Eldalië
This fine art print of my original, hand-done painting depicts the above passage, which I consider one of the most shining and meaningful in all of The Silmarillion. When the Telerin elves arrive in Valinor, the Noldor make a gift to them of the earth-gems they have discovered. I consider it a profound meditation on the nature of generosity vs. greed. The Noldor don’t have to mine the land for these gems. They are given freely by the Blessed Realm. The elves don’t then hoard them amongst their own families. They give them away to the newcomers, who are so devoid of covetousness that they strew them all over the beaches. This brief episode stands in sharp contrast to the later tragic saga which centers on the crafting and hoarding of the Silmarils. My hope was to show the peace and spaciousness of unworldliness, exemplified by the Teleri simply using the jewels to beautify the shore.
The title of this painting is taken from Bilbo’s Eärendil poem, for the earth-gems are still shining in the “ever flowing billows” when the mariner reaches Valinor to beg the help of the Valar. If you bring this fine art print home, you will get to enjoy the gems up close in the pool, and glittering in the sand. Perhaps you will even hear the wings of the great swans stroking the air as they pass overhead.
Reading about and painting the First Age of Tolkien’s sub-created world is a very meditative process because it places us amongst the highest things. There is peace and consolation in thinking of the Teleri, clothed in Elven-white, with jewel-like seaweed in their hair and long years at their disposal for walking beaches and seeking beauty. I sincerely hope this museum-quality Tolkien art print brings tranquility and simplicity to your home.