‘Blow, blow, little breeze, And Conrad’s hat seize.’ (1920)

Welcome to our virtual exhibition of Arthur Rackham's enchanting artwork, "Blow, blow, little breeze, And Conrad’s hat seize," created in 1920. This striking piece is a wonderful illustration of Rackham’s unique style, combining elements of fantasy with a touch of whimsy and the surreal.The painting features two main figures set against a backdrop of swirling winds and a tumultuous sky. On the right, we see a man, possibly Conrad, in mid-movement, desperately clinging onto his hat, which is being whipped away by a vigorous gust of wind. His awkward pose and the flurry of geese at his heels add a lively, almost comical element to the scene.On the left, a young woman with flowing locks that merge with the winds around her gazes out with an expression of focused intent. Her ethereal presence contrasts sharply with Conrad's more grounded, frantic struggle. Her attire and the way her hair and the fabric of her dress blend into the wind suggest she might be an embodiment of the breeze itself.Rackham’s use of soft sepia tones and his meticulous attention to detail—from the feathers of the geese to the swirling tendrils of wind—create a dream-like quality that is both captivating and thought-provoking. This piece not only showcases Rackham's skill as an illustrator but also his ability to weave narrative and emotion into a single frame."Blow, blow, little breeze, And Conrad’s hat seize" invites audiences to ponder the playful yet chaotic nature of the wind, while delighting in the whimsical and imaginative features that are signatures of Rackham’s art.