The Giselle collection

Rest in peace

By Ailene Cuthbertson. Danced by Paige Cockerton.

© 2017, Ailene Cuthbertson, Rest in peace. Photograph.
© 2017, Ailene Cuthbertson, Rest in peace. Photograph.

It’s dawn. The young ballerina, released from the spell, sinks gracefully back into the earth.

Suddenly the wilis hear distant bells. With the coming dawn, they have lost their power. Mist rolls into the glade as they fall back and melt away to their graves. Myrtha is the last to glide into the forest.

Albrecht is collapsed, exhausted, on the ground. Giselle longs to stay and help him but the dawn light is pulling her back to her grave. Reluctantly, she floats away from Albrecht.

Albrecht hauls himself to his feet, desperately trying to keep Giselle with him. Giselle knows she must leave. She farewells her love a final time and sinks back into the ground.

With her final act of love and forgiveness, she is free from the vengeful wilis. Her spirit will rest in peace.

  • Title Rest in peace
  • Artist Ailene Cuthbertson
  • Medium Photograph
  • 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.

Rest in peace is digital art, giclĂ©e printed with long-life ink on 100% cotton rag fine art paper – a high quality print that will last a lifetime.

© 2017, Ailene Cuthbertson, Rest in peace. Photograph, 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, dark 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