Layla (from the Picture Book for the Red Cross) - Edmund Dulac

An evocative illustration by Edmund Dulac, featuring the legendary Layla in a richly patterned, Orientalist-inspired scene from 1915.

This illustration by Edmund Dulac originates from the 1915 publication, The Picture Book for the Red Cross. Dulac, a French-born illustrator who settled in London, became a central figure in the early twentieth-century gift book market. His work often drew upon Persian and Middle Eastern themes, filtered through a distinctively European aesthetic sensibility.

The composition depicts Layla, a figure from the classic Persian romance of Layla and Majnun. Dulac employs a flattened perspective, reminiscent of Persian miniature painting, yet he incorporates the decorative sensibilities of the Art Nouveau period. The scene is framed by a pointed arch, creating a sense of theatrical enclosure. Layla is positioned centrally, draped in patterned textiles, while a small bird rests upon her hand. To the left, a figure in green attire holds a spear, accompanied by a tiger, while a peacock motif occupies the lower right corner.

Dulac uses a controlled palette of deep blacks, warm ochres, and sharp reds to define the space. The line work is precise, providing definition to the elaborate patterns on the clothing and the surrounding architectural elements. The image reflects the period interest in exoticism and the high production standards of British illustrated books during the First World War. By combining mythological narrative with a highly stylised visual language, Dulac creates a scene that functions as both a storybook illustration and a decorative object. The work demonstrates his ability to synthesise diverse cultural influences into a cohesive, graphic format that remains accessible and visually engaging for a contemporary audience.