Gandalf and the Balrog by Ruth Lacon - Original Acrylic Painting with Gouache Border.

Original Tolkien-inspired painting by Ruth Lacon, depicting Gandalf’s confrontation with the Balrog. Executed in acrylic with a decorative gouache border on paper, measuring 33.5 x 46 cm (13 x 18 ins). Offered at £1100.

Gandalf and the Balrog
Ruth Lacon
Original Painting
Acrylic with gouache border on paper
33.5 cm wide x 46 cm high (13 x 18 ins)
Price: £1100

A dramatic and richly detailed original painting by Ruth Lacon, inspired by the iconic confrontation between Gandalf and the Balrog in the depths of Moria, as described in The Lord of the Rings.

The composition captures the moment of elemental conflict, with swirling smoke, fire, and shadow dominating the scene. Gandalf, small yet resolute, stands against the overwhelming force of the Balrog, whose fiery presence emerges from a vortex of darkness and flame. The sense of motion and energy is striking, with curling forms and vivid contrasts conveying both chaos and power.

Executed in acrylic, the painting is framed by an intricate gouache border that enhances the piece with a decorative, almost manuscript-like quality, echoing medieval illumination while grounding the work firmly in the mythic world of Middle-earth.

Ruth Lacon has long been recognised for her Tolkien-inspired artwork. A member of The Tolkien Society since the 1980s, she has contributed both scholarly writing and artwork to Tolkien publications over many years. With academic backgrounds in Zoology and Illustration, her work combines a deep understanding of natural forms with a distinctive artistic interpretation of Tolkien’s legendarium. Her work has appeared in The Art of Ruth Lacon, and is appreciated by collectors for its originality and expressive strength.

The scene depicted here recalls one of the most famous lines in Tolkien’s work:
“You cannot pass,” he said. The orcs stood still, and a dead silence fell. “I am a servant of the Secret Fire, wielder of the flame of Anor. You cannot pass.”

This painting captures that moment of defiance and sacrifice with remarkable intensity, making it a powerful and evocative piece for any Tolkien collector.

An exceptional original work depicting one of the most iconic moments in Tolkien’s legendarium.

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