Jeannie Foord lithograph No.26 Pink Poppy (1899).

Description

In very good condition

Print measures approximately 26.5 x 37cm.

Frame measures approximately 39 x 47.5cm

Very little is known about the Scottish artist Jeannie Foord a botanical artist working at the end of the 19th century and beginning of the 20th century whose schematic style was influenced by Art Nouveau.

She published two volumes of flower studies, specifically of flowers whose decorative grace impressed her.  She wrote in her author’s preface that the flower studies were intended to aid art students who might not be able to take their inspiration directly from nature, although she strongly suggested students seek nature for themselves.

Her images render the features of plants simply. The plants are outlined and include cropped views of stems and blooms in the manner of Japanese woodblock prints.

The delicate colours were created by the “pochoir” process, wherein single layers of colour were added by hand to a lithograph using a stencil, in a precursor of the silk screening technique which is now widely used for art prints. 

Her botanical designs were used by artisans in the Arts & Crafts movement in decorative applications in stained glass, fabric, woodwork and cement sculpture.