SOLD

Hygeia
c 1880

designed by Miss Ellen Welby for The Art Designer 1888, the figure holding a glass and a snake, draped in a classical dress, the outline and folds of her dress embroidered in burnt orange twisted silk, the linen background densely worked in a pale gold silk, presented in a dark green and gold wooden frame. 26 x 11 in; 66.5 x 28.5 cm.

Comments

This and Ceres are to be sold together. Hygeia was the daughter of Asclepius, the goddess of health, cleanliness and sanitation. Her name is the source of the word "hygiene". A set symbolising The Four Seasons was published in The Art Designer: A Portfolio of full-sized Designs for Art Work of all kinds in 1887-9. The magazine was edited by Mrs Conyers Morrell with the special intention of providing high-class designs for painting, needlework, wood carving, brass repousse etc. and at a price with practically places them within the reach of all who are interested in artistic pursuits. Each number contains from 12-20 full sized designs reproduced in facsimile from the artists' original drawings ..... Printed quarterly by John Heywood of London and Manchester, with an annual subscription of 4s. It was subscribed to by HRH The Princess of Wales and HRH The Crown Princess of Germany. On the front cover of May 1888 are Proserpine, Ceres and Hygeia designed by Ellen Welby. Other designs are shown inside also by Ellen. Morris, Barbara Victorian Embroidery p 94,113, 136-7 17 Parry, Linda Textiles of the Arts & Crafts Movement p 129-30

Condition

Excellent.