|
|
Renowned for his paintings inspired from children's
literature, Gustafson turns this
time to a classic of adult fiction, Cervantes' Don Quixote.
Scott has interpreted the famous "tilting at windmills" passage when Quixote
declares to his servant Sancho that he will do battle with the many-armed
giant. "Cervantes made Quixote a figure both ridiculous and admirable," Scott
says, "and I've tried to capture both those qualities. The scrawny rooster
on the lower right represents Quixote's foolish, macho intention to impress
the lady in his life. At the same time, I've set the scene at sunset, suggesting
we're seeing the last shining moments of chivalry." Is Quixote the only one
who experiences flights of fancy? Look closely at one of the clouds in the
distance, and you just might see the outlines of a giant wielding a
club.
© Greenwich Workshop
