Pair Of Antique Art Nouveau Watercolour And Silk Embroidery Portraits

ANTIQUE ORIGINAL ARTS AND CRAFTS ARTWORKS, DESIGN: SELWYN IMAGE (1849–1930)

A pair of beautifully crafted artworks depicting ‘Song’ and ‘Poetry’ as female portraits. ‘Song’ is depicted as a woman in nature with a long, flowing classical gold robe singing from a scroll with a songbird perched on the branch of the tree next to her. ‘Poetry’ is in a silver robe, leaning against a classical column, holding a burning heart surrounded by stars and the crescent moon.

Some elements are painted in watercolour, chiefly the skin, hair and faces of the women, as well as the burning heart. Whilst other elements, the flowing silk robes, the tree, songbird, moon, stars and both halos are embroidered in fine silks. Both the watercolour painting and embroidery elements are executed with great skill and a quality finish.

These designs were produced by Selwyn Image (1849-1930) in the 1870s and 1880s for the Royal School of Needlework. Selwyn Image was a prominent figure in the Arts and Crafts movement and due to their high quality workmanship one can only presume these examples were created by a great hand at the school. They are certainly the finest examples we can find of this design.

These examples probably date from the late 19th century or early 20th century period. Circa 1880-1910.

They are both framed and glazed in their original parcel gilt and carved oak frames with floral composition ornament elements.

The artworks are in excellent vintage condition with only minor wear commensurate with age. There is some foxing/spots to the backing fabric but this survives well. The painted and embroidered elements both survive well and are still vibrant, without serious issues. The frames have some minor losses to the composition elements as this can become brittle with age but both present well.

Approximate overall measurements for each framed picture: 90cm x 39cm x 3cm.