Library Item

Page twenty-one from 'Flora's Feast', the Columbines

1902

Publisher's print

The classical goddess Venus features in this particular illustration, while the flowers are personified as birds drawing her chariot. This reference confirms the influence of Botticelli that is detectable throughout in the styling of the figures. Crane often incorporated symbols, allegories, and quotes from classical themes into his decorative art, thus bestowing upon it a higher status. This practice is clearly seen in his painting titled 'The Renaissance of Venus' from 1877, but the same intention is subtly visible here. In addition to this the choice of Venus invokes the sentiment of love, again building the feeling of harmony within the garden.