Crane, Walter (1845–1915)

The Hollyhock Rears Proudly His Standard High to the Autumn Sky' [Original 1892 Chromolithographic Plate] ['Flora’s Feast: A Masque of Flowers']

Original Chromolithograph. A vibrant, standalone decorative plate from the first edition of Walter Crane’s 'Flora’s Feast: A Masque of Flowers'. This plate personifies the 'Hollyhock' in Crane’s quintessential Arts and Crafts style, blending medieval costume, rhythmic line-work, and botanical symbolism into a unified decorative composition.

KEY FEATURES: 
+++ Visuals: Original multi-color chromolithograph featuring the personification of 'Hollyhock' alongside 'Canterbury Bells'. Executed with the flat color fields and bold outlines characteristic of Crane’s 'Toy Book' revolution. 
+++ Imprint: Issued as part of the 1892 first edition by Cassell & Company, known for high-quality Victorian color stones. 
+++ Format: Professionally matted in a period-appropriate neutral tone; housed in a clear protective sleeve and ready for framing. 
+++ Content: A visual poem where flora is transformed into a 'Masque' or pageant of human figures, a landmark in late Victorian children’s and gift book illustration. +++ Rarity: Uncommon as an individual, clean, matted plate; the work is more frequently encountered in compromised condition within the bound volume. 

CONDITION : Near Fine -- A clean, crisp impression with strong, unoxidized color. Light, even age-toning to the plate paper as is standard for 1890s Cassell productions. The mat and sleeve are brand new and professionally prepared.
+++ Specs: Plate measures approx. 7.5 x 9 inches; matted to a standard 11 x 14 inches for easy framing. London: Cassell & Company, 1892. Original Chromolithograph.

HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE -- 
Walter Crane was a titan of the Arts and Crafts movement and, alongside Randolph Caldecott and Kate Greenaway, defined the 'Golden Age' of British picture books. His work was revolutionary for its 'all-over' design approach, where the typography, illustration, and borders were conceived as a single aesthetic unit.

'Flora’s Feast' is considered one of Crane’s most sophisticated works, where his socialist ideals regarding 'Art for All' met his deep interest in medieval heraldry and botanical science. Individual plates from this first edition are increasingly sought after by interior designers and Arts and Crafts collectors for their ability to bring the 'Crane Aesthetic' to wall-mounted display.

SUBJECTS: Walter Crane, Arts and Crafts Movement, Victorian Illustration, Botanical Allegory, Chromolithography, Flower Personification, Costume Design, Decorative Print, Book Illustration, Arts and Crafts, Victorian Art.

Item #21546

Price: $45.00