John Duncan: The Taking of Excalibur

John Duncan (1866-1945) was born in Dundee and studied at the Dundee School of Art from an early age. He was a great experimenter with techniques and much of his work is in tempera. His subject-matter was rooted in the Celtic Revival and the Pre-Raphaelite tradition, but there is a certain graphical quality which sets it apart from his contemporaries and likens it to Art Nouveau. While the subject matter is thoroughly Celtic Revival, he is generally referred to as a Symbolist.

This painting evokes the legend of Arthur's Seat. Deep under the volcanic rock, two enormous dragons were said to reside. The King attempted in vain to construct massive fortresses on the land, but being the last in Scotland, the dragons fought underground every night. A huge battle between the serpent giants began when the King ordered the hill to be uncovered. They collided as they spiralled through the air, falling back into the seat's depths. This vision of Duncan draws on his Celtic heritage.

The scene is significant because Excalibur is the legendary sword of King Arthur, which he used to defeat his enemies and establish his reign as the rightful King of Camelot. The sword is said to have magical properties and was given to Arthur by the Lady of the Lake. The emergence of the Red Dragon and its transformation into Excalibur symbolizes the mystical and supernatural elements of the Arthurian legend.

the above text appears on the back of the card
HC-1421: card size 7" x 5" (178mm x 127mm)