Houses on Lake Attersee Detail by Gustav Klimt - 1900 

Klimt was born in Baumgarten, a suburb of Vienna, Austria. His father, Ernst Klimt, was a gold and silver engraver. Klimt and his six siblings were all raised in a small apartment in Vienna. Klimt began drawing at a young age, and his father encouraged his artistic talents. At the age of 14 in 1876, Klimt enrolled at the Vienna School of Applied Arts, where he studied architecture and painting. In 1877 his brother, Ernst, only 13 at the time, also enrolled in the school.

Apple Tree I, by Gustav Klimt 1912

Klimt's professors, Ferdinand Laufberger, and after his sudden passing, Julius Victor Berger, were among those painters who participated in numerous decorative painting assignments for the recently constructed public and private buildings along Vienna's Ringstrasse.  Laufberger included the Klimt brothers as assistants on some of these projects.  By 1881, the two brothers and their friend, Franz Matsch, began working together as a team, having received numerous commissions.  They called their new company "Künstler-Compagnie" (Artists Company). They moved to a collective studio in Sandwirthgasse 8 in the sixth Vienna district where they had space to create larger works as well.

Portrait of a Lady by Gustav Klimt, 1917

The company received its first assignments from architectural firm Fellner & Helmer, which erected theater buildings throughout the monarchy and needed curtains and ceiling paintings to furnish them. The young painters produced the ceiling paintings for the newly built theater in the Dalmatian coastal town of Fiume (now Rijeka, Croatia) and the ceiling paintings and curtains for the theaters in Carlsbad, Bohemia (now Karlovy Vary, Czech Republic) and Reichenberg (now Liberec, Czech Republic).

Theater Curtain in the Municipal Theater in Karlovy Vary, Czech Republic - Gustav Klimt 1886

From 1883 to 1884 Klimt created other works intended as illustrations for the "Allegories and Emblems" design collection. Viennese publisher Gerlach & Schenk released richly illustrated books from 1882 to 1885 and invited numerous artists to provide allegorical depictions for them. Klimt created the two paintings "Allegory of Fable" and "Allegory of Idyll" as well as several detailed drawings. Klimt was still painting in the then-popular neoclassicism style in these works. He executed them in a refined, meticulously detailed, realistic style.

Allegory of Fable, Gustav Klimt 1884

In addition to the ceilings and murals and other works that Klimt and his brother had been commissioned to complete, Klimt was in demand to paint portraits.  In these portraits created in the late 1880s and early 1890s, the young painter developed an astounding level of realism. Each detail was produced to an almost microscopic degree of perfection. These works are an impressive demonstration of the great artistry and technical painting expertise Gustav already possessed at the time.

Gustav Klimt, Young Girl Sitting, 1894, Leopold Museum, Vienna, Austria.

In the early 1890s Klimt met Austrian fashion designer Emilie Louise Flöege (a sibling of his sister-in-law) who was to be his companion until the end of his life. 

Portrait of Emilie Flöege by Gustav Klimt, 1902

 Klimt became a member of the Vienna visual artists co-operative, the Künstlerhaus, which at the time was the most important artists association in Vienna. In 1892 the Artists Company moved to a studio in Josefstädter Straße 21 in Vienna's eighth district. The success of the artist company took a severe hit, however, when Gustav's brother Ernst died unexpectedly in 1892. Klimt's father also died in the same year. The artist company was dissolved, and Klimt fell into a deep creative crisis. Matsch moved out of the shared studio and Klimt continued to work there alone. In 1894 Klimt, his mother, brother Georg, and his two unmarried sisters Klara and Hermine moved to an apartment in Westbahnstrasse 36 in the seventh district of Vienna.   He would spend the rest of his life here with his family unit, which only changed when Georg married and when their mother died in 1915.

The Virgin by Gustav Klimt, 1913

Klimt's mature style emerged in the late 1890s. In 1897, Klimt founded the Vienna Secession, a group of artists and architects who rebelled against the conservative academic art establishment. The Secessionists sought to create a new, modern style of art that was influenced by Art Nouveau, Symbolism, and Japanese art. Klimt became the president of the Secession, and he played a leading role in organizing its exhibitions and promoting its ideals.  The Secessionists held regular exhibitions in Vienna, which featured the work of both Austrian and international artists. They also published a journal, Ver Sacrum, which promoted their ideas and showcased the work of their members. The Vienna Secession was one of the most important art movements of its time. It played a leading role in the development of Art Nouveau and helped to usher in a new era of modern art.  The group disbanded in 1908, but its influence can still be seen in the work of artists and designers around the world.

Detail from the Tree of Life by Gustav Klimt, 1909

His paintings from this period are characterized by their use of gold leaf (likely influenced by his father’s work as a gold engraver), elaborate patterns, and symbolic imagery. Klimt's most famous paintings include "Judith and the Head of Holofernes" "The Kiss" and "Adele Bloch-Bauer I".

"Judith and the Head of Holofernes" (1901) is a powerful and disturbing depiction of the biblical story of Judith, a beautiful widow who seduces and then decapitates the Assyrian general Holofernes in order to save her home city of Bethulia.

 Judith and the Head of Holofernes by Gustav Klimt, 1901

The painting is a complex and ambiguous work of art. It is both beautiful and disturbing, and it has been interpreted in many different ways. The painting is dominated by the figure of Judith, who is shown standing over the severed head of Holofernes. She is wearing a lavish golden gown, and her hair is styled in a fashionable updo. Judith's expression is calm and serene, but her eyes are fixed on the viewer with an unsettling intensity.  In her left hand, she holds the severed head of Holofernes by the hair.

"The Kiss" (1907) is one of the most iconic and beloved works of art in the world. It depicts a couple embracing in a golden, jewel-encrusted setting, their bodies and faces intertwined in a timeless gesture of love and passion.

 The Kiss by Gustav Klimt (1907)

The painting is a masterpiece of symbolism and Art Nouveau design. The couple's cloaks are decorated with intricate patterns and motifs that represent love, fertility, and the passage of time. The gold leaf that covers the background and many of the figures gives the painting a sense of luxury and opulence.

The Kiss is also a deeply personal work of art. Many believe that it is a self-portrait of Klimt with his lover, Emilie Flöege. The painting was created at a time of great personal and artistic upheaval for Klimt, and it reflects his deep search for meaning and purpose in life. 

The Kiss was first exhibited in 1908, and it was immediately met with critical acclaim. The painting has since been reproduced countless times and has become a symbol of love and romance around the world. It is currently on display at the Upper Belvedere Museum in Vienna, Austria.

Another Klimt masterpiece is the Portrait of Adele Bloch-Bauer, the wife of a wealthy Jewish banker, Ferdinand Bloch-Bauer. It was painted between 1903 and 1907.

Portrait of Adele Bloch-Bauer I, by Gustav Klimt (1907)

The painting is considered to be one of the most iconic works of art from the Art Nouveau movement. It is also one of the most valuable paintings in the world, having sold for US$135 million in 2006.

The painting depicts Adele Bloch-Bauer sitting on a golden throne or chair, in front of a golden starry background. She is wearing a lavish gown that is decorated with gold leaf and intricate patterns. Her neck is adorned with a jeweled choker, and her head is surrounded by a halo of gold.  Klimt's use of gold leaf in the painting gives it a sense of luxury and opulence. The intricate patterns and motifs on Adele's gown and chair represent her wealth and status. The golden starry background symbolizes her divinity and immortality.

Hygeia by Gustav Klimt (1907)

Klimt also painted a number of lesser-known works that are equally beautiful and fascinating.  Here are a few examples:

The Lady with the Fan (1898): This portrait of a young woman is one of Klimt's most elegant and sensual works. The woman is shown wearing a lavish gown and holding a fan. Her expression is enigmatic and seductive.

The Lady with the Fan by Gustav Klimt (1898)

The Beethoven Frieze (1901-02): This frieze was commissioned by the Vienna Secession for the 14th Beethoven Exhibition. It is a musical interpretation of Beethoven's Ninth Symphony, and it depicts a variety of figures, including angels, demons, and warriors. The frieze is a complex and visually stunning work of art.

The Beethoven Frieze (1901-02), a Large Scale Painting by Gustav Klimt

Death and Life (1908-11): This large-scale painting depicts Death and Life as two sides of the same coin. Death is shown as a skeletal figure, while Life is shown as a young woman with a baby in her arms. The painting is a powerful meditation on the cycle of life and death.

Death and Life by Gustav Klimt (1908-11) 

The Tree of Life (1909-11): This painting is a celebration of life and fertility. It depicts a tree with golden branches and leaves, and it is surrounded by a variety of animals and plants. The painting is a symbol of hope and regeneration.

The Tree of Life by Gustav Klimt (1909-11)

The Three Ages of Woman (1905): This painting depicts three women at different stages of life: a young girl, a mother, and an old woman. The painting is a reflection on the passage of time and the inevitability of death.

The Three Ages of Woman by Gustav Klimt, 1905 (Detail)

Klimt's work was often controversial, and he was criticized for his frank portrayal of sexuality and his use of religious and mythological themes in a secular context. However, Klimt was also one of the most successful artists of his time. He received numerous awards and commissions, and his work was exhibited in major galleries and museums around the world.

Klimt died in Vienna on February 6, 1918, following a stroke. He was 55 years old. Klimt's legacy as one of the most important and influential artists of the Art Nouveau movement is secure. His work continues to be exhibited and admired in galleries and museums around the world.

One more interesting tidbit - Adele Bloch-Bauer was the only person whose portrait was painted twice by Klimt.  Both of her portraits hung in the Bloch-Bauer family home until they were stolen by the Nazis during World War II.  After a lengthy court battle, the paintings were returned to Maria Altmann, the niece of Ferdinand Bloch-Bauer, in January 2006.

Portrait of Adele Bloch-Bauer II, by Gustav Klimt (1912)

In June 2006 the Portrait of Adele Bloch-Bauer I was sold to Ronald Lauder for $135 million for his public art museum, at the time a record price for a painting.  In November of that year, Christie's auction house sold Portrait of Adele Bloch-Bauer II at auction for almost $88 million, the fourth-highest priced piece of art at auction at the time. The buyer was Oprah Winfrey.

The two paintings had a brief reunion at Neue Galerie in New York for the exhibition "Klimt and the Women of Vienna’s Golden Age, 1900–1918.  The Portrait of Adele Bloch-Bauer I remains on display at Neue Galerie.  During the summer of 2016, Winfrey sold Portrait of Adele Bloch-Bauer II to an unidentified Chinese buyer for $150 million.

Princess Hyacinth Detail By Alfons Mucha

Was Alfons Mucha the Creator and Founder of the Art Nouveau Movement? On the purely subjective scale I would emphatically say yes! When I look at an art nouveau illustration the fluidity and color is what I notice first. I find that the female forms are what I am drawn to the most. While Gustav Klimt is the art nouveau artist best known for drawing and painting females I love the fluidity and graceful arcs of Alfons Mucha’s women.

  
 The Arts Poetry Sketch

Alice Bailly: A Pioneer of Swiss Avant-Garde Art, from Cubism to Dada to Surrealism… You Have To See Her Wool Paintings!

Wassail by Charles Rennie Mackintosh - 1990

Stitching Up Some Mackintosh Magic-Beyond the Rose:
Charles Rennie Mackintosh’s Vision

Charles Rennie Mackintosh 1900

I have always loved the designs of Charles Rennie Mackintosh! Mackintosh was a pioneer of the Glasgow Style, his designs continue to inspire awe and admiration for their unique blend of Art Nouveau, Arts and Crafts, and Scottish Baronial influences.  His work is characterized by clean lines, geometric patterns, and a delicate balance of masculinity and femininity, which become works of art in themselves. Mackintosh’s genius was not confined to architecture alone; he also excelled in furniture design, textiles, and even graphic arts, leaving an indelible mark on the aesthetic landscape of the early 20th century.  

Wild Pansies  By Charles Rennie Mackintosh 1923

Charles Rennie Mackintosh, a Scottish architect, designer, and artist, was a leading figure in the Art Nouveau movement in the United Kingdom. Born in Glasgow in 1868, Mackintosh's unique style blended Scottish baronial architecture with modern influences, creating a distinctive and influential aesthetic. He is renowned for his innovative designs for buildings such as the Glasgow School of Art, the Willow Tearooms, and Hill House. His work extended beyond architecture to include furniture, textiles, and even graphic design, all characterized by his signature blend of geometric forms and organic motifs.   

Mackintosh  and Fellow students at the Glasgow School Of Art 1895

Despite his significant contributions to the world of art and design, Mackintosh faced considerable challenges during his lifetime. His unconventional style was not always well-received by his contemporaries, and he often struggled to secure commissions for his architectural projects. In the later years of his life, he became increasingly disillusioned with the lack of recognition for his work and turned his attention to watercolor painting. However, his architectural legacy endured, and his buildings continue to inspire and captivate audiences around the world.   

The name Charles Rennie Mackintosh conjures images of stylized roses, elongated lines, and a distinctive blend of art nouveau with traditional Scottish motifs. But Mackintosh was more than just an architect of beautiful buildings; he was a true pioneer of design whose influence continues to resonate today.

Hill House designed by Charles Rennie Mackintosh 1902

Mackintosh defied easy categorization. He was an architect, designer, and artist, blurring the lines between disciplines with an almost effortless grace. His work transcended the purely functional, imbuing everyday objects with an artistic sensibility that was both modern and timeless.

Glasgow School of Art Designed by Charles Rennie Mackintosh 1909

While his architectural masterpieces like the Glasgow School of Art and Hill House are undeniably iconic, it's worth delving deeper into the breadth of his artistic vision. Mackintosh's furniture designs, for example, were revolutionary for their time. He eschewed the ornate Victorian styles in favor of clean lines, geometric forms, and unexpected juxtapositions of light and dark. Chairs like the high-backed "Ladderback" chair, with its elongated vertical slats and subtle curves, are as much sculptural pieces as they are functional objects.

Washstand Designed by Charles Rennie Mackintosh

His artistic talents extended to watercolor painting, where he demonstrated a keen eye for capturing the essence of nature.

His landscapes, often depicting the Scottish countryside, are imbued with a sense of tranquility and a subtle use of symbolism. Works like "The Harvest Moon" and "The Willow Tree" reveal a deeper connection to the natural world, echoing the organic forms that often appeared in his architectural designs.

A Southern Port by Charles Rennie Mackintosh 1923

Mackintosh's wife, Margaret Macdonald Mackintosh, was an accomplished artist in her own right, and their collaborative efforts produced some of the most striking examples of Art Nouveau. Her ethereal, symbolic style perfectly complemented his more structured approach, resulting in iconic pieces like the gesso panels for the Willow Tea Rooms in Glasgow.

What makes Mackintosh's work so fascinating? Perhaps it's the way he seamlessly blended seemingly disparate influences, drawing inspiration from Japanese art, Celtic symbolism, and the Arts and Crafts movement. Or maybe it's the inherent tension in his work between restraint and expressiveness, between the functional and the artistic.

Stained Glass Panel Designed for an Exhibition in 1902 by Charles Rennie Mackintosh 

Whatever the reason, Charles Rennie Mackintosh remains a pivotal figure in the history of art and design. His legacy extends far beyond the Glasgow School of Art, inspiring generations of artists and designers to embrace innovation, challenge conventions, and seek beauty in the everyday.

Willow Tea House

Architecture:

Glasgow School of Art: Widely considered his masterpiece, this building is celebrated for its innovative design, blending Scottish Baronial influences with Art Nouveau elements. Its distinctive library, with its dramatic high windows and intricate woodwork, is particularly renowned.

Hill House: This domestic masterpiece in Helensburgh showcases Mackintosh's ability to integrate architecture with its natural surroundings. The house features clean lines, geometric forms, and a striking contrast between light and shadow.

Willow Tea Rooms: Mackintosh designed a series of tea rooms in Glasgow for entrepreneur Catherine Cranston. These spaces are notable for their innovative interiors, featuring his signature blend of stylized motifs, geometric patterns, and bespoke furniture.

Scotland Street School: This former school building in Glasgow demonstrates Mackintosh's ability to adapt his style to different functional contexts. It features a distinctive facade with tall windows and decorative motifs.

Queen's Cross Church: This early work, designed in a Gothic Revival style, showcases Mackintosh's architectural versatility and his attention to detail.

Furniture and Interior Design:

High-backed chairs: Mackintosh designed a variety of distinctive chairs, often featuring elongated vertical slats, subtle curves, and geometric patterns. His high-backed chairs, such as the "Ladderback" chair, are particularly iconic.

House of an Art Lover designed by Mackintosh

Willow Tea Rooms interiors: The furniture and decorative elements Mackintosh designed for the Willow Tea Rooms, including tables, chairs, and light fixtures, are celebrated for their elegance and originality

Hill House interiors: Mackintosh's furniture and interior design for Hill House, including the bedrooms and the distinctive white dining room, demonstrate his ability to create harmonious and aesthetically striking living spaces.

Mackintosh Design Used to Decorate the Doors of a Cabinet in 1902.

Watercolor landscapes: Mackintosh produced a series of evocative watercolor paintings, often depicting the Scottish countryside. These works reveal his keen observation of nature and his subtle use of symbolism.

Rose motif: The stylized rose became a recurring motif in Mackintosh's work, appearing in his architecture, furniture, and decorative arts. This simple yet elegant design is a testament to his ability to create enduring visual symbols.

Gesso panels: While primarily associated with Margaret Macdonald Mackintosh, Charles also contributed to the creation of gesso panels, which were often incorporated into their collaborative interior design projects.

Pinks Detail by Charles Rennie Mackintosh 1923

Charles Rennie Mackintosh's diverse body of work has had a lasting impact on art and design. His innovative approach to architecture, furniture design, and decorative arts continues to inspire and influence creatives around the world.

Mackintosh Designed Stained Glass From Hill House 1905

Today, Charles Rennie Mackintosh is celebrated as one of the most important figures in the history of design. His unique vision and artistic talent left an indelible mark on the world, and his work continues to be admired and studied by architects, designers, and art enthusiasts alike. His buildings stand as testaments to his genius, and his influence can still be seen in contemporary design. Mackintosh's legacy serves as a reminder of the power of creativity and the enduring impact of those who dare to challenge convention and push the boundaries of artistic expression.  

Petunia Flowers in a Vase by Charles Rennie Mackintosh 1920

 Ring-necked Pheasant by Archibald Thorburn c.1890

Archibald Thorburn, 1860-1935, was a Scottish artist known for his watercolors of birds and animals in their natural environments. Thorburn was born in Edinburgh Scotland in 1860.  He was the fifth son of Robert Thorburn, who was THE miniaturist painter to Queen Victoria. He was raised in an upper middle-class family of artist, naturalists, and outdoorsmen.

Thorburn loved the outdoors and paid attention and painted to the details that he saw in nature. When he was a boy Archibald showed an interest sketching animals and particularly birds, often sketching his adventures, he showed a talent in both pen and ink and water colored his sketches.

Illustration by Archibald Thorburn 

Archibald’s first bird illustrations were published when he was 22 years old, in J.E. Harting’s Sketches of Bird Life. Five years later he was invited to illustrate for Lord Lilford the Coloured Figures of Birds in the British Isles, which was published in 1888 to rave reviews. “Never before have such beautiful plates of birds been seen, and the success of his Lordships’ volumes seems firmly assured”.

The Peacock and the Butterfly by Archibald Thorburn

Thorburn often recalled the debt he owed his father ( a miniature artist), particularly his insistence upon perfection in all aspects of art and although he attended art school for a time and took lessons from Joseph Wolf, RI (1820-1899) an artist that Thorburn rated the “finest bird and animal draughtsman of all time”, he never failed to acknowledge the patience and devotion of his father’s teaching.

Following his father’s death in 1885, Thorburn moved south to London residing at several addresses there before moving to Hascombe in Surrey in 1902, where he was to live and work for the rest of his life. In 1896 he married Constance Mudie they had one son, Philip.

Swan Mother and Baby by Archibald Thorburn

At Hascombe, surrounded by some of the most beautiful woodland in the country, Thorburn found himself amid an abundance of the creatures he loved to sketch and paint. Here most of his pheasant and woodcock pictures were painted as well as those of mice and hedgehogs and host of small birds that dwelt in the surrounding countryside. At least once a year he returned to the Highlands of Scotland to paint. There amid the desolation and remoteness of Inverness-shire and other favorite haunts, he would replenish his sketchbooks with sketches of hare, red deer, ptarmigan, birds and eagles.

Monarch of the Glen Stag by Archibald Thorburn

Archibald Thorburn life was centered around his love of the outdoors. He was an avid sportsman, regularly finding himself as an invited guest at shooting parties on estates in both Scotland and England, including Sandringham at the invitation of the King, to shoot and paint. However, as he aged he became a conservationist, having hung up his gun for good on wounding a hare and hearing its pitiful squeals in the early years of the century. In 1927 he was elected Vice President of the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds in recognition of his services on behalf of bird presentation.

Black Grouse by Archibald Thorburn

Thorburn exhibited regularly at the Royal Academy and illustrated the first Christmas card by the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds in 1899. Between then and 1935, he illustrated 19 of their Christmas cards and donated them to the Society.

Tit on a Gorss Bush by Archibald Thorburn

From his earliest days of fame in the late 1880s Thorburn’s renderings of game birds have remained extremely popular and much sought after around the world. As a young man his ability to capture the mood of a place and the stance of flight of black-game, pheasant or partridge was quickly acknowledged. While his father Robert Thorburn had painted for Queen Victoria, Archibald in turn became a great favorite of both King Edward VII and King George V who particularly admired his skills at portraying sporting scenes at Sandringham and elsewhere.

Gathering of Pheasants by Archibald Thorburn

Archibald Thorburn lived at High Leybourne in Hascombe. In 1930 it was reported “Mr. Thorburn, the well-known Surrey naturalist and bird artist, steadfastly refuses to install electricity at his lovely home in Hascombe. As a painter he relies solely on natural light, working long hours indeed in the summer months but much shorter ones during the brief days of winter. Just occasionally he resorts to the use of his oil lamps, especially if drawing mice in the dimness of his garden shed.”

Mice and Tree Squirrel by Archibald Thorburn

Archibald Thorburn lived out a peaceful and largely uneventful life quietly recording for us scenes of our wildlife set amongst the countryside of the time. He was a quiet, helpful, generous man, shy and unassuming almost to the extreme. A tall, distinguished looking gentleman with white beard and hair and twinkling blue eyes, he was a much-loved sight in the village of Hascombe, where just occasionally he could be coaxed to the village school there to draw birds upon the blackboard with breathtaking ability to the wonder of children and teachers alike.

Snipe by Archibald Thorburn

Archibald Thorburn died at High Leybourne in October 1935 and is buried in Busbridge churchyard.

A century later, we still use his plates for identification purposes, some originally drawn for Lilford. Buyers today of the Observer Book of British Birds are seldom aware that many of the illustration are those painted by Archibald Thorburn, some hundred years earlier. We can buy “The Observers Book of British Birds” or “Thorburn’s Birds” from our nearest bookshop. A true reflection of the accuracy and timelessness of Archibald Thorburn’s work.

Bullfinches by Archibald Thorburn

Today, Archibald Thorburn’s works are held in the collections throughout the world.

An outstanding collection of works by Archibald Thorburn sold for fantastic prices in the 19th Century Paintings auction at Bonhams New Bond Street July 14, 2011.

A new world record for the artist was made with the highlight of the collection - the magnificent Peacock and Peacock Butterfly fetched £252,000 ($402,782), more than doubling its pre-sale estimate of £80,000-120,000.

 Ring-necked Pheasant in Flight by Archibald Thorburn c.1890

The previous record for a Thorburn work was £217,250 for Grouse in Flight which sold at Christie's in June 2010.

A Childhood Steeped in Dreams

Born in 1874, Cecelia O'Neill grew up surrounded by the sprawling plains of Nebraska. But her imagination soared far beyond the horizon. Encouraged by a bookish father and a musically inclined mother, Rose devoured stories and filled her world with fantastical creatures. Unlike other girls who dreamt of debutante balls, Rose dreamt of becoming a famous illustrator. She first achieved artistic success at the age of thirteen when she won a drawing prize from the Omaha World-Herald. The editors were so convinced O'Neill copied the work from another source that they required her to come to the newspaper office and draw illustrations in their presence.

Ladies Home Journal Cover By Rose O’Neill

New York City and the Fight for Recognition

At the tender age of 15, Rose set off for the bustling metropolis of New York City. Armed with a head full of ideas and a portfolio bursting with quirky sketches, she faced a world where female illustrators were a rarity. While in New York Rose lived in a convent, O'Neill recalled the nuns would accompany her to meet with newspaper and magazine editors. Her work was soon published in the pages of Truth, Life, Harper's Bazaar, Cosmopolitan, Good Housekeeping, and other magazines. A comic strip O'Neill wrote titled "The Old Subscriber Calls" was printed in the September 19, 1896, issue of Truth, which was remarkable in that it was the first published comic strip created by a woman.

Christmas Illustration for Puck’s Magazine By Rose O’Neill

Her cartoons became so popular that she was asked to join the staff of Puck, where she was the only woman working from 1897 to 1903. But Rose wasn't one to back down. Her talent spoke for itself, and soon her illustrations graced the pages of popular magazines like Puck and Woman's Home Companion. Her work stood out – a refreshing blend of humor, social commentary, and a touch of the fantastical.

The Old Subscriber Calls Comic by Rose O’Neill

But 1909 was the year that changed everything. Inspired by a playful dream, Rose sketched a chubby, bald cupid with a mischievous grin and a mischievous topknot. This was the birth of the Kewpie – a name derived from Cupid, the Roman god of love. These impish little cherubs, with their heart-shaped mouths and mischievous expressions, resonated with the public like a pop song in a silent film. Soon, Kewpie dolls, postcards, comics, and even Kewpie furniture flooded the market.

Kewpies Advertisement for Jello By Rose O’Neill

The Kewpies made their first appearance in the December 1909 issue of Ladies’ Home Journal and became an instant sensation amongst readers of all ages. While their style was seen in some of O’Neill’s earlier characters, the creation of “Kewpieville” allowed her to write comics that focused on moral values and kindness. The comics were continuously published in Ladies’ Home Journal, Woman’s Home Companion, and Good Housekeeping well into the 1930s. The Kewpie Doll was soon created in 1913, resulting in a wave of toys, advertisements, and household goods portraying the characters.

Kewpies at the Door with Flowers by Rose O’Neill

The Kewpies also served as a vehicle from which she could comment on social issues of import such as women’s rights, discrimination, and wealth inequality. Through her art and public service, O’Neill championed the down-trodden—a condition she was all too familiar with, having suffered poverty as a child.

• Subtle Messaging with a Smile: The Kewpies, with their innocent charm, were a perfect vehicle for Rose's message. She created postcards and illustrations featuring the Kewpies in situations related to women's suffrage. Imagine a scene with Kewpies holding signs that say "Votes for Women" or proudly marching in a suffrage parade.

• Reaching a Wider Audience: By using these cheerful characters, Rose was able to reach a broader audience, including children and families, who might not have otherwise been exposed to the suffrage movement. This subtle approach helped to normalize the idea of women's suffrage and plant the seed for change.

• A Voice Beyond the Canvas: Rose wasn't just creating art; she was actively involved in the movement. She participated in suffrage parades and even designed posters for the cause. Her artistic talent and celebrity status helped raise awareness and garner support for women's right to vote.

Challenges and Impact

While Rose's strategy might seem unconventional, it was effective. The playful Kewpies made the message of suffrage more palatable to a wider audience, particularly those who might have been resistant to more strident tactics. However, it wasn't without its challenges. Some suffragists felt her approach was too lighthearted for a serious issue. Despite these criticisms, Rose O'Neill's unique contribution to the suffrage movement stands out. She used her creativity and platform to advocate for a cause she deeply believed in, proving that even the most whimsical art can be a powerful tool for social change.

Kewpies Advertisement for Campbells Soup By Rose O’Neill

More Than Just a Pretty Face: The Artist Behind the Craze

But Rose O'Neill was more than just a businesswoman capitalizing on a fad. She was a suffragist, using her wildly popular Kewpie cartoons to subtly promote women's rights. Imagine a world where adorable cherubs champion equal voting rights – that was the magic of Rose's work. She was also a prolific writer, penning novels and poetry that explored themes of feminism, social justice, and the complexities of human relationships. Her writing was bold, often defying the conventions of the time, just like her art.

A Kewpie Eating Ice Cream with Planets By Rose O’Neill

A Legacy That Endures

Rose O'Neill's influence transcended her time. She paved the way for future generations of female cartoonists and artists, proving that talent and imagination could conquer any barrier. And while the Kewpie craze may have calmed, these delightful little characters remain a nostalgic reminder of a time when a rebellious artist with a big imagination captured the world's heart.

Kewpies Pulling Sled with Christmas Presents By Rose O’Neill

O’Neill was selected as a member of the prestigious Société des Beaux Arts in Paris in 1906. She was the first woman elected as a Fellow of the New York Society of Illustrators and inducted into the Illustrators Hall of Fame in New York City in 1999. She was also inducted into the National Women’s Hall of Fame in 2019. And last year, at the San Diego Comic Con, she was inducted into the Eisner Awards Hall of Fame as a Comic Pioneer.

Both the Smithsonian Institution and the New York Art Resource Consortium maintain digital online archives of O’Neill’s work. And you can find a large collection of her original work at the Huntington Library in California.

A Kewpie With Christmas Presents By Rose O’Neill

A Kewpie Stitching By Rose O’Neill

O’Neill’s Legacy

Rose O’Neill wasn’t just a pioneer in the field of comics. Known to the National Women’s Suffrage Association in New York City as a “Suffrage Artist,” she used her creativity to advance the cause of women’s rights. She marched as a suffragist and illustrated posters, post cards and political cartoons for the cause. She also championed dress reform, turning social mores on their head by brazenly going uncorseted under the loose caftans she wore in her studios!

Suffragette Kewpie For Voters Rights by Rose O’Neill

She was the very definition of the self-taught bohemian artist. She rose through a male-dominated field to become a top illustrator and built a merchandising empire from her work thanks to the Kewpies. She redefined what it meant to be a 19th century female artist, showing other young women through her life’s work what could be achieved not just creatively, but commercially. She seems to have been a beautiful if melancholy soul. Ambitious, talented and, for a time, one of the wealthiest women in the world, her autobiography, published years after her death, revealed her personal philosophy.

Rose O’Neill’s Sands of Time, c. 1896-1901, pen and ink with watercolor

Beyond the Surface: Uncovering the Hidden Depths

Rose O'Neill's story is more than just Kewpie dolls and cartoons. It's a testament to the power of in herself and using her creativity to make a difference. While her whimsical illustrations brought joy to millions, her deeper artistic expressions and advocacy for women's rights offer a glimpse into a complex and fascinating individual.

So, the next time you see a cute, chubby cherub, remember Rose O'Neill, the whirlwind who wasn't afraid to challenge the status quo and leave behind a legacy as colorful and captivating as the Kewpies themselves.

A Kewpie Riding a Blue Bird By Rose O’Neill