(Click second thumbnail above to watch video)
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
“Then he gave Frodo his mithril-coat and Sting, forgetting that he had already done so; and he gave him also three books of lore that he had made at various times, written in his spidery hand, and labelled on their red backs: Translations from the Elvish, by B.B.” - The Return of the King, Book 6, Chapter 6: Many Partings
What sort of a room do you think Elrond’s folk would have made over the years for the comfort of Bilbo Baggins? In this original painting of Rivendell, Bilbo is bestowing gifts on Frodo, Sam, Merry and Pippin before they depart for home.
When you order this fine art print, you will notice many details that explain why Bilbo described the Last Homely House as being “a perfect house, whether you liked food or sleep or story-telling or singing, or just sitting and thinking best, or a pleasant mixture of them all.”
It is autumn, and the landscape outside recalls the Lauterbrunnen Valley in Switzerland, which is said to have inspired J.R.R. Tolkien’s vision of Rivendell. The Professor, himself, is honored in my depiction of Bilbo in this comfortable room, with its fire, books, scrolls and refreshments. The elves have celebrated Bilbo’s famous Earendil poem in the stained glass of his room, and being merry folk, have woven little rabbits into his carpet, doubtless after years of hearing the tale of his journey to Erebor and back again.
Perhaps of all of my paintings of Middle-earth, Three Books of Lore has the most personal meaning to me. As Professor Tom Shippey has so brilliantly discussed in his lectures and writings on Beowulf, the hobbits appear to have no religious or spiritual practice when we encounter them in The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings. Bilbo’s life amongst the elves and his transmission of knowledge through his writings on the elvish wisdom concerning the Valar and the One must have gradually changed the worldview of the Shire. When Frodo and Sam witness Faramir’s men observing grace before meat, when the hobbits meet with Gildor Inglorion, with Elrond’s folk, and with the elves of Lothlorien, their outlook on creation and the very presence of a Creator must undergo a profound change.
I take comfort in thinking that the Shirefolk would have had the consolation of a growing belief in a loving Creator as Middle-earth became increasingly a world of Men. Bilbo’s writings, the eventual Red Book of Westmarch that is stewarded by Sam’s descendents, and the other writings referenced throughout a variety of supplementary materials, are treasures of surpassing value when you think how they may have helped the hobbits across the ages.
Imagine the good and sub-creative thoughts you may have by contemplating this fine art print in your comfortable living room, library, den or bedroom. Please keep doing your part to pass on the lore.