BookoftheUnicornPrefacePg Roger Garland

The composition presents a solitary unicorn poised on a raised platform within a space defined by monumental architecture and atmospheric perspective. The animal is rendered with meticulous detail; its coat appears almost translucent, catching light in subtle gradations of grey and white. Its mane and tail are depicted as flowing freely, suggesting movement and vitality. A single horn, slender and spiraling, rises from its forehead.
The platform itself seems to be part of a larger structure, possibly a temple or palace, indicated by the presence of tall columns flanking the unicorn. These columns contribute to an impression of grandeur and solemnity. The background fades into a hazy landscape, with distant buildings and what appears to be a stylized representation of mountains under a cloudy sky. This receding vista creates depth and emphasizes the central figures prominence.
The floor upon which the platform rests is rendered as highly polished marble, reflecting the light and colors above in distorted patterns. The dark border framing the scene intensifies the focus on the illuminated central area, isolating the unicorn within its symbolic environment.
Subtly, a sense of transition or liminality pervades the work. The unicorn’s posture suggests it is stepping forward, yet the setting appears static and timeless. This creates an ambiguity regarding direction and purpose. The architectural elements evoke classical ideals of order and harmony, but the ethereal quality of the unicorn introduces an element of fantasy and otherworldliness.
The overall effect is one of quiet reverence and restrained power. It suggests a moment suspended between realms – a symbolic representation perhaps of purity, grace, or spiritual awakening. The deliberate use of light and shadow, coupled with the carefully considered composition, contributes to a sense of mystery and invites contemplation on themes of transcendence and the elusive nature of beauty.