Antique Art Nouveau Silk Embroidery with Cupid & Lily in the manner of Walter Crane: C1900 England

The beautifully drawn embroidery depicts a winged flower fairy climbing the stem of a lily, accompanied by butterflies in a tall, narrow composition. While visually distinct, it shares the botanical and whimsical style of the famous "Flower Fairies" series created by English illustrator Cicely Mary Barker (1895-1973).

A winged figure, characteristic of a flower fairy, interacting with a tall flowering plant-likely a Lily (Le Lys) based on similar classic motifs.

The narrow vertical format and botanical focus are hallmark traits of Art Nouveau, exemplified by artists like Alphonse Mucha, whose The Flowers series includes a famous vertical panel titled "The Lily".

The piece also reflects Walter Crane's characteristic "Art Nouveau" and "Arts and Crafts" aesthetic, known for personifying nature and flowers. Crane frequently designed for the Royal School of Art Needlework (RSN) from approximately 1876 through the end of the 19th century.

Crane often used lilies in his work, such as his "The Day Lily" wallpaper (1897-98) and illustrations in "Queen Summer, or The Tourney of the Lily and the Rose".

This authentic period piece has been hand embroidered in crewel and stem stitches with gold colored silk on a linen ground.

Measurements:
Board: 26 x 62cm
Embroidery: 20.5 x 56.5cm

Condition:
In excellent antique condition with an overall patina of age as to be expected. some slight age related marks. We have professionally stretched and mounted the embroidery on a lined and interlined conservation grade board