Hyacinth

Datec. 1884

Artist Kate Greenaway (English painter, illustrator, and writer, 1846–1901)

MediumWatercolor, ink, and graphite on paper

Dimensionsimage: 3 3/16 × 4 in. (8.1 × 10.2 cm)
frame: 16 3/4 × 18 5/8 in. (42.5 × 47.3 cm)

Credit LineSamuel and Mary R. Bancroft Memorial, 1935

Object number1935-48

On View

Not on view

ClassificationsDRAWING

Label TextWhile not directly connected with the Pre-Raphaelite circle, Greenaway benefited from their innovations in illustration, particularly the new emphasis on the integration of text and image. The “language” or symbolism of flowers was quite popular in the Victorian period. In this instance, hyacinths are interpreted as signifying “play,” illustrated by five young girls dancing on a lawn.