Fitzpatrick, Jim. The Art of Jim Fitzpatrick. Portfolio 2. (Signed by Fitzpatrick)

Dublin: Dé Danann Press, c.1981. Large folio portfolio containing a suite of colour plates reproducing the celebrated Celtic-inspired artwork of Irish artist Jim Fitzpatrick. Publisher’s original printed portfolio cover with mounted illustration depicting the heroic figure of Nuada raising a sword upon a rearing horse. The portfolio contains a series of richly coloured plates inspired by Irish mythology, Celtic ornament, and heroic legend. The plates are printed on heavy art paper and include elaborate decorative borders in the Celtic Revival style. Portfolio plates clean and bright.

The cover states: “This portfolio is signed by the artist on plate one.” The plates illustrate themes drawn from early Irish mythological cycles including figures such as Nuada, Emer, and scenes inspired by the Tuatha Dé Danann legends. Fitzpatrick’s distinctive visual language—combining intricate interlace, luminous colour, and mythic symbolism—draws upon the decorative tradition of manuscripts such as the Book of Kells while presenting it through a modern graphic style.

The rear of the portfolio includes descriptive notes on each plate, a short biographical sketch of Fitzpatrick, and publication details for Dé Danann Press, Dundrum, Dublin.

Fitzpatrick (b.1946), one of Ireland’s most recognised modern illustrators, is internationally known for his mythological works and for the iconic image of Che Guevara which became one of the most reproduced political images of the twentieth century. His interpretations of Irish legend have played a significant role in popularising Celtic mythology through contemporary art.

A striking example of late twentieth-century Irish mythological illustration, issued as a collectible portfolio.

[L1 BC Cabinet]