Original watercolour: "List, ah list to the zephyr in the grove."
1913 Stock Code: 111943
An original watercolour, signed and dated "Kay Nielsen 1913" in the lower left corner, for In Powder and Crinoline, a collection of seven fairy tales chosen by Sir Arthur Quiller-Couch. This watercolour illustrates the story "Felicia or The Pot of Pinks" and appears at p. 52: "Nielsen shows in his development a fancy so delicate and an outlook so original that no charge of plagiarism can be brought against him. His colour work is delicate and suggestive rather than forceful. Very lovely in its faint blues and greens with tones of peach is the illustration plate 21 i.e. this painting where the high folly, the love birds and the blossom testify to the legacy of Japan" (Keith Nicholson, Kay Nielsen, 1975).
Nielsen produced 26 watercolours in total for the book, which was published in 1913. An article in the 1913 Christmas Bookman recommending this work describes Nielsen as "a young artist of curiously original gifts. There are traces in his drawings for In Powder and Crinoline of the influence of Aubrey Beardsley, and there are also an imaginative daring, a fantasy, a fascinating grace and decorative loveliness that are peculiarly his own and make his art unique amongst the illustrations of this year's books".
Description
Original pen, ink, watercolour and wash heightened. 270 x 310 mm. Mounted and framed.
Condition
A fine, beautifully characteristic piece in excellent condition with a couple of faint spots in the yellow sky.
DELIVERY
With the exception of framed items*, Peter Harrington offers free delivery on all UK orders of rare books, maps and prints placed through this website. Delivery to USA and the rest of the world is similarly free for orders over £200.
ABOUT US
Established in 1969, Peter Harrington is one of the leading rare book firms in the world. It is a proud member of the Antiquarian Booksellers Association – along with ILAB, the PBFA and Lapada – and from shops in Mayfair and Chelsea, London, sells rare books, prints and ephemera to customers across the world.
Email: mail@peterharrington.co.uk
Tel: +44 (0)20 7591 0220