Conversation with Smaug - Available on Commission

"I did not come for presents. I only wished to have a look at you and see if you were truly as great as tales say. I did not believe them."
"Do you now?" said the dragon somewhat flattered, even though he did not believe a word of it.
"Truly songs and tales fall utterly short of the reality, O Smaug the Chiefest and Greatest of Calamities," replied Bilbo.
"You have nice manners for a thief and a liar," said the dragon...."

(J.R.R. Tolkien ~ The Hobbit)

A truly special piece entirely conceived, designed and developed by Fauno over two pieces between the end of 2024 and the end of 2025. Though many illustrations of this iconic moment in the Hobbit have been made (Tolkien's own being the one that best captured Smaug's personality and amused malice), every illustrator had to circumvent the problem of painting an invisible character! The three-dimensional quality of woodcarving seemed a new solution to this problem and here is our very special contribution to the many Smaugs and Bilbos in the history of Tolkien's illustrations.

Completely hand-carved from upcycled tulip wood, and hand painted in acrylic. Studded with tiny opalite cabochons and one beautiful moonstone for the Arkenstone, the title is written out on (in)visible silver-blue moon letters, picked out with glossy varnish on the matt bacground.

 Conversation with Smaug has been shortlisted for for the Tolkien Society Best Artwork Award this year.

Though this piece has been sold, the same design can be carved again. Note that these pieces are done completely by hand and will never be exactly identical. You can use the contact form or our Instagram messenger to discuss a commission.  

Circa 65x52 cm.

👉👉 Hand-signed prints of Conversation with Smaug are already available in our shop!