American Art and Pennsylvania Impressionists

Housed in a fine Louis XV-style period giltwood frame.

Provenance:

The Artist.

With her brother, Ferargil Galleries, New York, New York.

The Memorial Art Gallery, Rochester, New York.

Private Collection, New Hope, Pennsylvania.

Lot Note:

An early member of The Philadelphia Ten and a significant contributor to the American Arts & Crafts movement, Mary Elizabeth Price remains most well-known for her floral still life paintings in which she utilized traditional Medieval and Renaissance painting techniques, including silver and gold leaf gilding, which she blended with European Art Nouveau influences. The present work strongly shows this inspiration as it depicts several branches of white and pink rhododendrons set against a crisp, dazzling gold and silver background, which not only enhances the still life but also contributes to its overall tapestry effect, thus channeling a strong Eastern influence. This design style, and sense of patterning, expresses Mary Elizabeth Price’s strong commitment to, and defense of, an art that is positively decorative. The panel becomes a beautiful image that complements its surroundings, and is supposed to inspire the collector to surround themselves with more beauty and integrate art into everyday life.

Framed: 52 1/4 x 41 in.

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