Checking it Twice
$375.00
Editorial View
The Gallery's Perspective
She stands with the calm authority of someone who belongs equally to myth and hearth—an angel whose presence feels both protective and warmly human. The figure’s upright pose, steady gaze, and raised hand read as a quiet benediction, while the long, red hair and richly patterned green robe give her a distinctly Celtic character. Light picks out the creamy layering of her wings and the burnished details of the ornate belt and sword, balancing softness with a sense of purpose. The sword, anchored point-down and wrapped with a ribbon-like band, suggests resolve held with restraint rather than aggression. Deep shadows in the surrounding archway make the figure read forward, creating an intimate, almost domestic scale despite the work’s symbolic subject. This is the kind of image that can feel reassuring in a familiar room—an emblem of steady protection wrapped in gentle, luminous colors.
Collector Details
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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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"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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