A chrysanthemum heard her, and said pointedly, ‘Hoity-toity, what is this’ (1913)
Technique: Giclée quality print
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Arthur Rackham's 1913 painting, "A chrysanthemum heard her, and said pointedly, ‘Hoity-toity, what is this,’" captures the enchanting and whimsical spirit that characterizes much of his work. In this illustration, we see a small child, bundled against the cold in a hooded coat, standing near a wrought-iron gate. The child gazes curiously at an anthropomorphic chrysanthemum, which, with a human-like face and demeanor, seems to be speaking to her. This chrysanthemum, with its petals extravagantly unfurled, towers over the child, adding a sense of wonder and scale to the scene.The background is finely detailed, with snow delicately resting on the leaves and branches, enhancing the winter atmosphere. The use of muted tones conveys a soft, almost ethereal quality, typical of Rackham’s style, which brings a dreamy charm to the illustration. The intricate line work in the depiction of the plant and the textures of the natural elements showcase Rackham’s mastery in bringing fantastical elements to life.This painting is a beautiful example of Rackham's ability to blend the natural world with elements of fantasy, creating scenes that invite viewers to step into a magical, otherworldly landscape.
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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.