Alexander Runciman
Artwork Detail
Cormar was a hero in James Macpherson's epic poem Works of Ossian, the son of Fingal (1796). This episode depicts the moment when Cormar is described as having taken a wave 'by the curling head and searched its dark womb with his steel and forced the spirit to flee'. In many ancient cultures the sea is a feminine element, and the savagery of the language in Ossian's poem suggests a deep fear of its powers. (Monsters and Maidens, 2004)
- Title
- Cormar attacking the spirit of the water
- Artist/creator
- Alexander Runciman
- Production date
- 1751-1785
- Medium
- etching
- Dimensions
- 75 x 128 mm
- Credit line
- Mackelvie Trust Collection, Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki
- Accession no
- M1885/16/1
- Copyright
- No known copyright restrictions
- Department
- International Art
- Display status
- Not on display
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Alexander RuncimanCormar attacking the spirit of the water
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You are enquiring about:
Alexander RuncimanCormar attacking the spirit of the water
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We manage your personal information in accordance with our Privacy Policy