Checking it Twice
$375.00
Editorial View
The Gallery's Perspective
There’s a calm authority in her posture that feels quietly magnetic — a figure who belongs to the forest as much as she belongs to a lineage. Danu is rendered with careful, naturalistic detail: the heavy red robes fall in soft, tactile folds, the gold ornament and brass crescent catch light, and the chain-mail at her throat hints at strength beneath ceremonial grace. The setting — gnarled roots, scattered leaves and a still pool reflecting an aged helmet — gives the portrait a rooted, almost ritual atmosphere. The artist’s palette balances the warmth of crimson and gold against cool greens and stone-gray, which together create a sense of both presence and timelessness. Whether you respond to her dignity, the work’s storytelling hints, or simply the sumptuous color and texture, the image reads as a portrait of layered roles — sovereign, protector, and guardian of memory — quietly at rest in her natural realm.
The Artwork
About Danu of the Celts
Danu of the Celts<br> MASTERWORK CANVAS EDITION
She stands regally, alone in the woods, clad in both chain-mail armor and red robes embellished with gold. The dual nature of her character is evident; she is both sovereign and goddess, mother and warrior, priestess and protectress. She is Danu, the Celtic mother goddess of the Tuatha DT Danann, a tribe of gods and demi-gods in pre-Christian Ireland. With Danu of the Celts, artist Dean Morrissey continues his successful series of Celtic figures and subjects, which has previously included The Celtic King, Anna of the Celts, The Voyage of the Fianna and The Piper of Tir n’ Og. Dean Morrissey has captured the fierce independent spirit of the Irish people in Danu of the Celts, making it a beautiful gift for anyone with an interest in Irish or Celtic mythology.
Collector Details
What to Know About This Piece
Product-specific details, edition information, provenance, and special considerations are shown here when applicable.
About the Collection
Dean Morrissey (1951–2021) was a celebrated American fantasy artist and children's book illustrator, renowned for his enchanting oil paintings that bring imaginative worlds to life. His notable works include "The Christmas Ship" and "The Great Kettles," which showcase his whimsical storytelling and masterful depiction of Santa Claus and other fantastical subjects. Morrissey's art is characterized by its rich detail and warmth, making his collectible art prints highly sought after by enthusiasts of fantasy and children's literature illustrations.
Artist Signature
Signed by the artist
This piece is artist signed and includes a Certificate of Authenticity.
Image Rights
Image copyright © 2026 by Dean Morrissey.
Authorized Source
Authenticity & Documentation
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Limited-edition artwork includes a Certificate of Authenticity when one is issued by the artist, publisher, studio, or authorized source. Open-edition pieces may not include a certificate; this does not affect their authenticity. The Collection Shop sources artwork through artists, publishers, authorized distributors, galleries, and other approved channels. Any additional documentation included with this specific piece will be noted above.
"Dean Morrissey has been drawing and creating characters since his childhood in
Boston. Inspired by Disney matte paintings and comic book heroes early on, he
grew to appreciate the works of the masters, such as Rembrandt, Vermeer, Pyle
and N.C. Wyeth.
Morrissey worked a variety of job until deciding to paint full time in the late
1970 s. He worked as a freelance book cover illustrator for over 15 different
publishers in New York and won numerous awards. Morrissey is self taught, and
considers the demands of cover illustration to have been his "art school".
In 1991, Morrissey began to paint some images from a story that he was
creating. His books include Ship of Dreams Harry N Abrams (1994), The Great
Kettles: A Tale of Time Harry N Abrams (1997), The Song of Celestine Little,
Brown and Co. (1998), The Christmas Ship HarperCollins (2000), A Christmas
Carol Greenwich Workshop Press (2000), The Moon Robber HarperCollins (2001),
The Winter King HarperCollins (2002), and The Monster Trap HarperCollins
(2004).
His awards include The Society of Illustrators Gold Medal for The Great
Kettles, The Chesley Award for The Light Ship (2002), and he is a current
nominee for this year s Chesley Award for Anna of the Celts (2003).
Morrissey lives with his wife Shan and his son on the South Shore of
Massachusetts.
"
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