Fig. 1, J.C. Leyendecker, 1907, “Queen Maeve,” Magazine illustration.

The Celtic influence during the Golden Age of illustration was not confined to Europe. In
January of 1907, Theodore Roosevelt wrote an article entitled “The Ancient Irish Sagas”
for The Century Magazine, which featured two illustrations, by J. C. Leyendecker (1874-
1951).¹

The first of these illustrations is Queen Maeve, the proud warrior-queen of Connaught. In this painting, Leyendecker captures the cool confidence of this inimitable woman in the bored expression on her face. All of the power and strength of the Celtic warrior is evident in her posture, and her costume and weaponry are accurate renderings of the Celtic design.

The lure of the rich legends of Ireland to both writers and illustrators is not surprising. Depictions of these tales have evolved from a long history of vivid imagination and evocative design. A history that continues to this day.

¹ Paul Giambarba, 100 Years of Illustration and Design, “J.C. Leyendecker”, May 26, 2007.