“DEATH IS A GREAT PIECE TO PAY FOR A RED ROSE, ALL WHAT I ASK OF YOU IN RETURN IS THAT YOU WILL BE A TRUE LOVER, FOR LOVE IS WISER THAN PHILOSOPHY. “

— the Nightingale and the Rose
by Oscar Wilde

The most beautiful story in the world is not that the prince and the princess live happily forever, but it’s with a sorrowful ending, it’s so sorrowful that you even could not breath after reading the story.

That’s what makes the fairy tales by Oscar Wilde so different and beautiful.

Before I did this painting, I read the Nightingale and the Rose for several times, until I felt that I’m the Nightingale and I’m part of the tale. Then I could create the painting based on MY feelings.

“Be happy, cried the Nightingale, be happy; you shall have your red rose. I will build it out of music by moonlight, and stain it with my own heart’s-blood. All that I ask of you in return is that you will be a true lover, for Love is wiser than Philosophy, though she is wise, and mightier than Power, though he is mighty. Flame-coloured are his wings, and coloured like flame is his body. His lips are sweet as honey, and his breath is like frankincense.”

When I finished the draft, I can’t help but sigh, I feel painful in my heart.

When I finished the painting,  I can’t remember how many times I have sighed, my heart is so painful with tears.

My pure nightingale, I will cherish the red rose with all my heart and love.

May you happy and peaceful in the heaven, may you with your love too.

Mowen Li

the Persian Princess in THE NIGHTINGALE AND THE ROSE
Acrylic on Paper
390mm X 540mm
2017.3.31. Philippines