The Second Nun. The Canterbury Tales. New York, 1945.

SZYK, Arthur. The Second Nun. The Canterbury Tales. Signed and Dated “Arthur Szyk, N.Y. (19)45”. Watercolor and gouache on paper. Sheet size: 7″ x 5 1/2″.   Image size: 6″ x 4″. Very Good condition.

One of Szyk’s most beloved, well remembered works is that of The Canterbury Tales by Geoffrey Chaucer, published by The Limited Editions Club in 1946.

Szyk evokes a genuine piety in his portrayal of the Second Nun traveling to Canterbury. Her hands are folded peacefully together and clasp a beaded rosary from which is suspended a miniature of Jesus. A true believer, she appears content with her spiritual life and her tale is a recitation of the life of Saint Cecilia for the benefit of her traveling pilgrims. Her habit is of dove gray with a high starched wimple and rope belt; these simplistic details are reflective of Szyk’s early work in costume design for the theatre.

Provenance: Parke Bernet Sale, New York, Mrs. Arthur Szyk, March 26, 1959. Lot 18.

Exhibition History: M. Knoedler & Company, Inc., New York, August 26–September 13, 1946; The Polish Arts Club, The Butler Institute, Youngstown, Ohio, February 2–23, 1947; The Jewish Museum, New York, October 24–December 4, 1952; Laing Galleries, Toronto, January 9–30, 1954; Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco, Palace of the Legion of Honor, December 4, 2010–March 27, 2011.

Publishing History: The Canterbury Tales. New York: The Limited Editions Club, 1946.