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Design Art, Flower Composition, William Mussill, Paris, Antique Prints, 1870
$550
William Mussill (after) Oiseaux Mouches Clarisse. Bourciera-Torquata, Franciscea Latifolia, No. 6.
[Clarisse Hummingbirds. Collared Shell Brunfelsia Australis]
Lilas No. 10 [Lilacs] Sold
from Compositions Mussill
Liserons & Bruyère No. 20
François Delarue & fils, A. Delarue fils, Paris: 1870
Hand-colored lithographs
20 x 15 inches, average approximate size
$550 each
Botanical lithographs of cuttings from flowering and fruit-bearing plants, which exemplify a type of bouquet compositional study popular during the Victorian era. The progenitor of the style was Pierre Redouté, whose last major Choix series included bouquets of some of the specimens rather than the more typical scientific study of a single plant typical of his earlier works. This trend influenced later artists such as Chabal-Dussurgey and Mussill. Mussill’s compositions fill the page with lush naturalistic color and curving forms that emphasize overlapping three-dimensional arrangements in a style informed by a Baroque sensibility. This style was also well suited for adapting the compositions in designing decorative arts such as ceramics, wall paper, and fabrics.
William Mussill was an Austrian-born painter of botanicals, birds and animals, known for collections issued as annual publications and his decorative arts designs. His work was informed by his keen observations of nature and graceful sense of style. He also produced boldly-painted ceramics, first for Sevres, and later for Minton, the leading British manufacturer of fine china during the 19th century. His work for Minton is widely admired and collected today. He also trained other Minton artists such as Louis Bilton.
Condition: Generally very good with the usual overall light toning, wear, soft creases, handling.
References:
“Minton Museum Collection at Auction.” 15 April 2002. Majolica International Society. http://www.majolicasociety.com/minton.htm (4 March 2004).
![Oiseaux Mouches Clarisse. Bourciera-Torquata, Franciscea Latifolia, No. 6. [Clarisse Hummingbirds. Collared Shell Brunfelsia Australis]](https://www.georgeglazer.com/wpmain/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/mussillhumm1.jpg "Oiseaux Mouches Clarisse. Bourciera-Torquata, Franciscea Latifolia, No. 6. [Clarisse Hummingbirds. Collared Shell Brunfelsia Australis]")
![Lilas No. 10 [Lilacs]](https://www.georgeglazer.com/wpmain/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/mussillilas1.jpg "Lilas No. 10 [Lilacs]")
