Dulac's Dido Uh-Oh

Among Sotheby's English Literature, History, Children's Books & Illustrations auction in London on July 17th, is an original pencil and watercolour drawing on silk by Edmund Dulac titled, Follies That Destroyed Famous Queens: Dido.


From the auction catalog:

Originally commissioned in 1934 as part of Dulac's series 'Follies that Destroyed Famous Queens' for the cover of the periodical American Weekly, this illustration was abandoned. It has been suggested that Dulac redrew the picture after deciding that the domed buildings in the background should have chimneys. The final published version also included other additions (an earring for Dido, for example). Of Dulac's final version, Colin White has written 'Dido's agonized yearning as she leans against a zebra skin, itself a most skilful piece of painting, looking down on the departing Æneas far below, is masterly' (Colin White, Edmund Dulac, London, 1976, p.161)

I dare say this was rejected not because buildings lacked chimneys, but because Dido was lacking nipple.


But then many men worry much about chimneys & other things upright, and less about a woman's nipples.