The Giselle collection

Beyond reason

By Ailene Cuthbertson. Danced by Paige Cockerton.

© 2017, Ailene Cuthbertson, Beyond reason. Digital painting.
© 2017, Ailene Cuthbertson, Beyond reason. Digital painting.

Inspired by the “mad scene” from Giselle. A young ballerina is caught in the dramatic moment of plunging a dagger into her heart.

He loves her not!

Albrecht tries to reach Giselle but she stares at him blindly, hardly knowing who he is, and dashes away. Her foot trips against Albrecht’s sword lying on the ground. She seizes it and madly plunges its point into her breast. Too late, Albrecht snatches the sword away from her and throws it aside.

Giselle is beyond reason. With her remaining strength, her feet uncontrollably re-dance the steps from the morning when she danced happily in love. But her heart isn’t in it and instead of leaping lightly, she crumples to the ground. As if the spell has broken, she realises what has happened. The horrified villagers try to help her but she pushes away their hands and runs, distraught, before casting herself into Albrecht’s arms one final time.

She falls limp, and with a soft sigh, slides to the ground.

  • Title Beyond reason
  • Artist Ailene Cuthbertson
  • Medium Digital painting
  • Year 2017

Part of the Giselle collection

From bright golds and oranges on a joyous autumn day, to shining, white-gowned ghosts drifting through the moonlit forest – Giselle is a haunting and tragic love story.

Beyond reason is digital art, giclée printed with long-life ink on 100% cotton rag fine art paper – a high quality print that will last a lifetime.

© 2017, Ailene Cuthbertson, Beyond reason. Digital painting, 30 cm x 30 cm.

This print is a limited edition of 10, and comes in one size, 12″ x 12″ (30 cm x 30 cm).

Choose from framed or unframed:

Unframed, so you can choose a frame to suit your décor
$250 NZD

Professionally framed with a classic, antique-feel, off-white frame, and UV protective glass, ready to hang
$410 NZD

Enquire about this print

Enquire about this artwork (small framed and unframed)

Want to add some of this magic to your home? Fill out the form below and I’ll be in touch.

I may be able to direct you to a gallery or exhibition where you can see this print in person (which is always the best!) Otherwise, I’ll order a print for you. Please allow some time for my wonderful local printers to print and frame – depending on how busy they are, it may take a few weeks. Let me know if there's a particular date you have in mind!

It is always very special to be able to take home a memento of a great holiday break and I am delighted with “Freed from the Earth”. I was immediately drawn to the ethereal quality of Paige’s dance and the way you had portrayed her gown. She is now hanging in our home and looking just lovely – makes me smile every time I look at it.

Anne from Auckland