This is a shining example of Eric Pape’s whimsical yet classic style of illustration art. The Fair God was a Victorian era book dealing with the conquest of Mexico. Pape was a well-regarded and often-exhibited artist from the turn of the 20th century until his death in 1938. After opening his own illustration school in 1898, he taught N.C. Wyeth, whose style is influenced by Pape’s own.

Pape is best remembered as a prolific illustrator of childrens books and historical fantasies, as well as an artistic contributor to Scribner’s, Cosmopolitan, and Century Magazine. His original art is highly coveted and recently his illustration work has fetched $45,000.00 at Christie’s. This is beautifully matted and framed in a wide profile American arts and crafts aesthetic gesso frame.
Included with the original painting is a copy of the 1901 “The Fair God” by Lew Wallace, published by the Houghton Mifflin Company.

Above: The artwork as seen in “The Fair God”