ART NOUVEAU FAIRY DREAM

Ross, M. T. ‘Penny’ (1881–1972) [Illustrator]

Original Print: Fairy Illustration / Art Nouveau Children’s Art ‘Happy Little New Year’ by M.T. Ross - 1914

WHIMSICAL ART NOUVEAU FAIRY NEW YEAR SCENE

A charming Art Nouveau-era fairy illustration by M.T. ‘Penny’ Ross, depicting cherubic fairy children gathered beneath an enormous butterfly beside a flowing ‘New Year’ banner. From the scarce Anna M. Scott’s ‘A Year with the Fairies,’ the image reflects the decorative fantasy aesthetic that defined premium American juvenile gift books of the 1910s.

The composition combines soft pastel coloration, flowing organic forms, and playful fairy imagery characteristic of the Volland publishing style. Accompanied by the poem ‘Happy Little New Year,’ lightly affixed to the reverse cardstock, the piece presents strong crossover appeal for collectors of fairy illustration, vintage holiday imagery, children’s book art, and Art Nouveau decorative design.

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: Original color print illustration after M.T. Ross, professionally matted on cardstock. Matted size measures approximately 9 x 12 inches; visible print approximately 5.75 x 7.5 inches. Accompanied by printed poem sheet titled ‘Happy Little New Year,’ lightly taped to the reverse cardstock. The poem begins: ‘From Elfland there’s sent on the first of the year…’

CONDITION: Near Fine. Print presents attractively with soft but still pleasing color. Light expected age-toning and minimal handling wear. Matte remains clean and displayable. Poem sheet on reverse is lightly taped to the backing cardstock as issued or later mounted. No major visual distractions observed from the presented images.

DETAILS
+++ Title: ‘Happy Little New Year’
+++ Illustrator: M.T. ‘Penny’ Ross
+++ Author / Source: Anna M. Scott, ‘A Year with the Fairies’
+++ Publisher: Chicago: P. F. Volland & Co. 1914
+++ Format: Matted original color print with accompanying poem text. First Edition Print.
+++ Matted Size: 9 x 12 inches — Print Size: Approx. 5.75 x 7.5 inches
+++ Illustration: Fairy children, butterfly, New Year banner, Art Nouveau design

CONTENT HIGHLIGHTS
+++ Art Nouveau fairy illustration
+++ New Year holiday imagery
+++ Large butterfly fantasy composition
+++ Associated printed poem on reverse
+++ Strong decorative display appeal
+++ Classic Volland-era juvenile fantasy art

HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE —
P. F. Volland & Co. was among the most influential American publishers of high-quality illustrated gift books and greeting materials during the early 20th century. Their productions helped define the American Art Nouveau and early fantasy illustration market. M.T. Ross remains particularly associated with richly decorative juvenile imagery and fantasy illustration from this period.

M.T. ‘Penny’ Ross became widely recognized for his lively and decorative illustration style during the golden age of American juvenile publishing. His work frequently blended fairy-tale fantasy, flowing Art Nouveau line, and playful child imagery into compositions designed for deluxe gift books and seasonal publications.

This New Year scene reflects the optimistic visual culture of the pre-World War I era, when fairy imagery and sentimental holiday verse formed a central part of illustrated children’s publishing. The oversized butterfly, floating ribbons, floral accents, and elf-like children create a dreamlike composition equally suitable for literary, decorative, or seasonal display.

SUBJECTS: M.T. Ross, Penny Ross, fairy illustration, Art Nouveau children’s art, New Year imagery, P. F. Volland, Anna M. Scott, butterfly illustration, vintage fairy print, juvenile fantasy illustration, 1910s decorative art, holiday ephemera, cherub imagery, vintage children’s book illustration, Children’s Illustration, Art Nouveau Illustration, Holiday Americana, Decorative Art.

Item #22001

Price: $65.00