Study for Don Quixote Deciding Upon His Course of Knight Errantry
'Study for Don Quixote'
Category: Paintings
Artist: Chris Gollon
Subject: Larger Works
Year of Work: 2004
Media: mixed media on canvas
Size: 36" x 24"
Private collection. In 2005 Chris Gollon began exploring the idea of painting a series of works inspired by Cervantes’ great novel ‘Don Quixote’, and the TV documentary 'The Man From La Mancha' depicting Terry Gilliam's failed but magnificent attempt at making a film of Don Quixote.
Chris Gollon then explored the idea of casting himself as Don Quixote, and this first work was produced, choosing to paint Don Quixote as he plans his course of knight errantry, complete with splendid finery and aristocratic beard and moustache.
'Study for Sancho Panza'
Much to his friend and agent David Tregunna’s annoyance, Chris Gollon also decided to paint him as Sancho Panza. This work depicts the episode where the landlord and assorted ruffians, (upon Don Quixote’s refusal to pay the bill for lodgings and hospitality on the grounds that knights errant should receive them free), decide to toss poor Sancho in a blanket to see if coins might fall out of his pockets.
The hinged triptych ‘Her Royal & Sovereign Highness Lady Dulcinea Del Toboso’ depicts Don Quixote’s great love, in her various reported realities. 
'Her Royal & Sovereign Highness Dulcinea Del Toboso'
Unfortunately, the pressure of other commissions and solo shows in 2006 has meant that this series, like Gilliam's film, will remain unfinished. Therefore, these three works may be the only ones Chris Gollon will produce on this great subject.
