Peonies - Masterpiece Jigsaw Puzzle
Helen Cordelia Coleman (British fl. 1875-1882)
Laurel Ink 500 piece puzzles measure 18" x 24".
Retail $12.95

Peonies (from back of puzzle box)
Helen Cordelia Coleman (British fl. 1875-1882)
The earliest depictions of flowers in art were in the form of realistic botanical illustrations for the purpose of researching medicinal herbs. In the seventeenth century, there arose a new interest in illustrating plants for the sole purpose of capturing their beauty and rarity. This trend paved the way for the creation of an art form that would experience criticism, transformation an praise throughout the centuries, eventually becoming academically respected and universally admired.

The Dutch were the pioneers of Flower Painting, although artist in England, France, Germany, and Austria also produced renowned works in the genre. Dutch and Flemish artist, such as Jan van Huysum and Rachel Ruysch, exemplified a mastery of refined detail while portraying colorful richness in their paintings. Although French historic and landscape painters often considered botanical art simply a decorative pastime, the botanical artists lacked neither passion nor patronage. The Flower Painters were slowly accepted into the Salons of France, and the art form took on a new standard of excellence when the Dutch artist brought their talent and history to France. Flemish-born Pierre-Joseph Redoute became known as the "Raphael des roses" and work for such famous historical figures as Marie-Antoinette and Louis Philippe.

The achievements of the classical Flower Painters were far reaching. Their influence led artists of every stature and genre to occasionally paint flowers throughout their careers, even if only to form a small part of their "oeuvre." This art from was also accessible to female artist at a time when women were restricted in their roles and privileges. The works of these artists were applied to many media such as watercolor on vellum, oil on canvas, wood cutting, etching, engraving, needlework and textiles. Whether botanical renderings were produced for science or pure artistry, the artist's reverence for the subject is apparent, and the portrayal of flowers, leaves, stems and roots is exquisite.

In her later works, Helen Cordelia Coleman exhibited under her married name, Angell. She married T.W. Angell in 1875, the same year she was first commissioned as a Flower Painter to the Queen. William Henry Hunt, a watercolor painter who exhibited at the Royal Academy and was known for his meticulous depictions of bird's nests, was an admirer of Coleman's work.

New: packaged/shrink wrapped 14"x14" boxed.

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