A chrysanthemum heard her, and said pointedly, ‘Hoity-toity, what is this’ (1913)
Technique: Giclée quality print
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Discover the enchanting world of Arthur Rackham with the whimsical painting titled "A chrysanthemum heard her, and said pointedly, ‘Hoity-toity, what is this’" from 1913. This artwork is a captivating instance of Rackham’s signature style, combining elements of fantasy with delicate and detailed illustration.In this painting, we see a curious scene set in a snowy garden. A young girl, clad in a warm winter coat with a fur-lined hood and mittens, looks astonished as she gazes towards a large, anthropomorphic chrysanthemum. The flower stands tall, with its petals and leaves resembling flowing garments, adding a sense of life and personality. The chrysanthemum's expression appears almost admonishing, as if it’s speaking the title's quote directly to the little girl.The backdrop features intricately drawn bare trees and shrubs, with snow gently resting on branches, adding a serene yet slightly eerie atmosphere to the scene. The detailing of the iron fence suggests a boundary between the natural and the supernatural, a common theme in Rackham’s illustrations.This piece beautifully captures the blend of reality and fantasy, inviting viewers to ponder the story behind the girl’s encounter with the talking flower.
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Arthur Rackham (19 September 1867 – 6 September 1939) was an English book illustrator. He is recognised as one of the leading figures during the Golden Age of British book illustration. His work is noted for its robust pen and ink drawings, which were combined with the use of watercolour, a technique he developed due to his background as a journalistic illustrator.