Louis Rhead’s peacocks
May 19, 2009
La femme au paon (Woman with peacocks): from L’Estampe Moderne (1897).
Two works by British Art Nouveau poster artist and illustrator, Louis Rhead (1858–1926). The first of these is very typical and resembles many of his magazine covers of the period. The cover illustration for The Century, meanwhile, must count as the only time I’ve seen a peacock presented as a possible Christmas dish.
The Century Christmas Number (December 1894).
Previously on { feuilleton }
• Peacocks
• Rene Beauclair
• Whistler’s Peacock Room
• Beardsley’s Salomé
5 comments or trackbacks
#1 posted by Robert Stone
May 19th, 2009
The drawing of the peacock on the platter is fascinating. Maybe it is the Thirteenth Day of Christmas and everyone is tired of all those twelve day gifts.
The designs in the clothing and in the feathers relate to each other and perhaps the mutual color is a way of creating mood. The red seems more sombre and the gold more festive.
#2 posted by Evan
May 19th, 2009
So simple, so decadent. Eat a peacock. Why didn’t I think of that?
#3 posted by John
May 19th, 2009
I suppose a peacock was a less mundane choice for Mr Rhead than a goose or a turkey. They’re rather scrawny birds, however, I’m not sure there’d be much meat to go around.
#4 posted by Callum
May 21st, 2009
Hi John,
Couldn’t let this post pass without doing my bit to pimp my better-half’s blog, on which he proudly displays his piece of Louis Rhead designed ceramics in the shape of a tall jug – not a peacock in sight though I’m afraid.
Porcelain Porn
#5 posted by John
May 21st, 2009
Pimp away, by all means, Callum! That’s a great jug, I’m jealous. I nearly mentioned Rhead’s poster for The Sun since it reminds me a little of the woman with the peacocks. Similar garden and path.
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