Walter Crane - Swan, Rush And Iris Art Nouveau Cushion

Walter Crane's painting Swan, Rush and Iris is a beautiful example of the British artist's skill in depicting nature with symbolic and vivid detail. The artwork features a serene scene by a lake or river, where a majestic swan glides gracefully across the water. Surrounding the swan, tall rushes and delicate irises add to the sense of tranquillity, while also symbolising purity and beauty. Crane's use of soft, flowing lines in the swan's feathers and the gentle movement of the water creates a harmonious and dreamlike atmosphere. The background is filled with lush greenery and flowers, which are rendered in a stylised, almost decorative way typical of the late Victorian era. The piece exemplifies the aesthetic style of the Arts and Crafts Movement, where nature was often idealised and presented with a sense of elegance and grace.