Use the Search box below to find keywords that you're looking for quickly and easily!

Thursday

Beauty of the Fairy

They say beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Well behold this . . . isn't she the most beautiful fairy you have seen?


Sophie Gengembre Anderson 1823-1903

Children born of fairy stock
Never need for shirt or frock,
Never want for food or fire,
Always get their hearts desire,
Jingle pockets full of gold,
Marry when they're seven years old.

Every fairy child may keep
Two strong ponies and ten sheep,
All have houses each his own,
Built of brick or granite stone,
They live on cherries, they run wild,
I'd love to be a fairy's child.

AUTHOR: Robert Graves

I was so taken with this painting, I decided to research the artist who painted her.

"Sophie Gengembre Anderson was born in Paris in 1823, the daughter of a Parisian architect and an English mother. She was largely self-taught, but briefly studied portraiture with Charles de Steuben in Paris in 1843.

At the outbreak of the 1848 Revolution, she moved with her family to America, settling in Cincinnati where she pursued portrait painting. She married the British artist, Walter Anderson and returned to England in 1854. She exhibited at the Royal Academy during 1855.

Anderson's technique was excellent and she was quite adept at depicting fabrics and drapery with outstanding light effects.

In 1860 the couple visited Pennsylvania and exhibited at the National Academy, in the early 1870's she moved to Capri because of ill-health. Eventually she returned to England and lived in Falmouth. Sophie died in 1903."

Above are two more of her paintings and although they are very beautiful, I still think the first portrait I showed you is the fairest of all.

Hugs,
X

12 comments:

  1. I have to admit to loving fairies. I have several books about them. I also love Brian Froud's fairies. I'm still searching for that perfect doll to become one of Froud's fairies.

    She's a very talented artist. I love all the paintings but I definitely love the first one the best. The angle, the lighting, the expression, it brings to mind softness and whimsy and a little bit of mischief too.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Me too Alasse, I have a book of BF's and some cards somewhere. I love his illustrations of goblins too.

      I think so too, I came across her quite by accident and I'm glad I did.
      Hugs,
      X

      Delete
  2. Hello Sandy,
    Thank you for introducing us to her work. Her portraits are stunning.
    Big hug
    Giac

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Giac,
      Hey you're welcome, I love fairy paintings and this one was so gorgeous I had to share. :)
      Hugs,
      X

      Delete
  3. Yes, the fairy is lovely! They are really beautiful portraits from this artist.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Sam,
      I'm glad you like her too. :)
      Hugs,
      X

      Delete
  4. Hi Sandy !
    As u know I love the faries and this is one of my favourites too 😊
    She is so pretty and the detail in the painting is amazing - thanks for sharing xx

    ReplyDelete
  5. Hello! There is something special with fairies! i do like the first painting and I recognize it too. Have seen it during Christmas time, but never knew who painted it. So this was interesting, to learn more about her!
    Hugs!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Niina,
      Oh I agree, I love most things magical. :) Often we see beautiful paintings and know very little about the artist, so I'm pleased I was able to shed some light on her.
      Hugs,
      X

      Delete
  6. Beautiful paintings. Perhaps I believe in fairies after all!
    xx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes they are gorgeous. Oh do believe, you have to believe to see them!
      Hugs,
      X

      Delete

Thank you for visiting my blog, I appreciate those who take the time to comment, ask questions or leave feedback. :)

SPAMMERS: Comments are moderated and all spam is deleted!