The Dryad
Artist: Evelyn de Morgan (English, 1855-1919)
Date: 1884-1885
Medium: Oil on panel
Collection: De Morgan Collection, London, United Kingdom
Description
In Greek mythology dryads are mythological tree nymphs and protectors of the oak tree. Evelyn appears to have depicted a hamadryade, which is a type of nymph who is bonded to the tree itself. In this painting we can see the little nymph emerging from the tree, with her foot still hidden inside the tree’s stout trunk. Legend says that if the tree dies, the dryad will also die and for this reason the Gods punish any mortals who harm trees. Purple irises are at the dryad’s feet symbolize the minor Greek goddess Iris. Iris is the messenger of the gods, particularly Zeus and Hera. She is also the personification of the rainbow and, as goddess of sea and sky, provides clouds with water to rain upon the world to nourish plants and trees.
