A painting by German artist J. Madelener called Der Berggeist, the mountain spirit is up for auction by Sotherby’s in London on 12 July 2005. Said to be the inspiration for Gandalf, Tolkien had a postcard featuring a reproduction of this painting and he wrote on its paper cover ‘Origin of Gandalf’.

This item is part of the English Literature & History sale which also has other Tolkien related items for auction including two signed letters by Tolkien and a set of the trilogy signed by Tolkien with a letter in which he talks about Tree and Leaf and the Silmarillion, you can view this item here.

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