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

Crane, Walter, 1902, Publisher's print

Category

Library Item

Item no

40151

Title

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

Description

The goddess Venus is dressed in classical robes and stands on an open leaf that resembles a chariot as she wraps a columbine around her shoulders like a shawl. Two groups of birds that power the vehicle are being whipped by a cherub-like boy with wings. The accompanying text reads:
"Fair Columbines that drew the car of Venus from her distant star".

Artist / maker

Crane, Walter

Date

1902

Size

25.0 x 18.5 cm

Type

Publisher's print

Location

Art and Design Library

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.

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Related subjects

Animals > Birds > Birds

Clothing and dress > Accessories > Hair ornaments

Clothing and dress > Garments > Dresses

Clothing and dress > Garments > Robes

People > Children > Boys

Plants > Flowers > Columbines

Plants > Flowers > Flowers

Plants > Parts > Leaves

Religion > Religious gods and goddesses > Cherubs

Religion > Religious gods and goddesses > Gods & Goddesses

Transport > Land > Chariots

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