Checking it Twice
$375.00
Editorial View
The Gallery's Perspective
Two figures ride forward with the steady, unmistakable confidence of veterans who have ridden into danger together. The painting’s immediate strength is its sense of companionship: the pair sit close, shoulders almost touching, their faces set and weathered, suggesting both shared purpose and the quiet trust between comrades. Rich, warm tones—burnt reds, deep browns and gilt accents—give the scene a weighty, almost ceremonial feeling, while the detailed armor, braided leather tack, and embossed shields anchor the composition in a specific historic moment without feeling like a dry illustration. Light skims across the metal and fabric, catching the gleam of helmets and the folds of a red cloak to create small points of brightness against a softer, storm-suggesting sky. The horses themselves are spirited but controlled, their muscle and movement adding momentum so the whole image feels alive rather than posed. For someone drawn to narrative figuration, this piece offers both a dramatic story and the kind of textured, human presence that gives a room character and a sense of enduring camaraderie.
The Artwork
About The Chieftains
The Chieftains<br> LIMITED EDITION CANVAS
Following in the regal footsteps of the recent runaway successes The Celtic King and Anna of the Celts, we are pleased to present the next Celtic-themed fine art edition from artist Dean Morrissey. In a departure from portraiture, this action-packed scene features a pair of chieftains riding together to fend off their Viking enemies. It is set in the Dark Ages (circa 875 AD) when 250 Celtic kingdoms, each ruled by their own chieftain, extended from Ireland into Scotland and southern England. After years of being raided by the Vikings, the chieftains realized they were easy prey on their own but by joining forces in fighting their foe they would have a better chance. The chieftains were so successful in their combined efforts that the advance of the Viking hoards was halted and their expulsion from the Celtic kingdoms began.
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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