Chaucer. The Canterbury Tales. New York, 1945.

Arthur Szyk’s Original Cover Art for The Canterbury Tales

SZYK, Arthur. Chaucer [Geoffrey]. Signed and Dated “Arthur Szyk, N.Y. (19)45”. Original Cover Art for The Canterbury Tales. Watercolor and gouache on paper. Sheet size: 7″ x 5 1/2″. Image size: 5 1/2″ x 5 1/2″. Upper right corner of sheet trimmed, not affecting image, soiling, else Very Good condition.

In addition to his illustrated Andersen’s Fairy Tales, one of Arthur Szyk’s most beloved, well remembered illustrated books is that of The Canterbury Tales by Geoffrey Chaucer, published by The Limited Editions Club in 1946.

This richly detailed illumination of Chaucer was the featured device on both the cover of The Canterbury Tales and the accompanying slipcase. It features a representation of Geoffrey Chaucer astride a gaily caparisoned white horse, contained within a cruciform design. His left hand is raised and pointed forward as if to show the path ahead and open up the book. The design’s repetition, when printed on the book cover, evokes Moorish tile work, a stained glass window, even the floor plan of a cathedral.

This painting is an exquisite example of the jewel-toned colors frequently used in Szyk’s illuminations. There is no evidence of fading, making the ruby reds, emerald greens and lapis blues a true visual feast.

Provenance: Parke Bernet Sale, New York, Mrs. Arthur Szyk, Nov. 24, 1961. Lot 37B

Exhibition History: Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco, Palace of the Legion of Honor, December 4, 2010–March 27, 2011.

Publishing History: Though titled in Szyk’s hand “Frontispice” [sic], as mentioned above, this work of art appeared prominently on the cover and slipcase of The Canterbury Tales, New York: The Limited Editions Club, 1946.