The Tempest: Ariel and the Bee 

Edmund Dulac created this ethereal watercolor illustration for Shakespeare's "The Tempest." The eye is drawn to the delicate rendering of Ariel, whose form seems to merge with the flora around him. Dulac uses watercolor to create soft, diffused forms, emphasizing the non-corporeal nature of the spirit Ariel. The pastel palette evokes a sense of dreamlike enchantment. The composition is structured by the winding branches and blossoms that frame Ariel. Dulac’s work is often viewed through the lens of orientalism, drawing from Persian miniatures, Japanese prints, and other Asian sources. These influences led to a flattened perspective and decorative patterning. Yet, the linear quality of the composition and the use of symbolism aligns with Symbolist aesthetics, prevalent at the turn of the century. Here, nature is not merely a backdrop but an active participant in the narrative, echoing the Symbolist exploration of inner states through external forms. The work challenges fixed meanings by blurring the lines between human and nature. The artwork can be seen as a part of ongoing interpretations of identity, symbolism, and cultural exchange.