THE READER

An original illustration executed in pen and ink depicting a woman with a large feathered hat reading a book whilst holding a flower in one hand, perched atop sinuous vines and foliage. Unsigned. The image measuring 8.5 x 12 cm. Mounted, framed and glazed. Condition is excellent, with just the slightest hint of minor toning in places.

Scottish artist Annie French (1872-1965) attended and later taught at the Glasgow School of Art during the era of the 'Glasgow Girls' (of which she was one, alongside her contemporaries Margaret and Frances MacDonald and Jessie M. King) and the 'Glasgow Boys', whose distinctive collective style helped to shape the aesthetics of the British Art and Crafts Movement at the turn of the twentieth century. The present painting forms a lovely example of French's work, demonstrating her typically delicate, fluid style and her fine, sweeping line, which together lend the image an airy and subtly dynamic atmosphere. Provenance: Sir James French.