Tuesday, April 16, 2013

An old print with fresh blooms




So completely 

ready 

for spring 


(This seems to be the slowest transition of seasons 
that I can ever remember.)





But little by little
the grass is starting to turn 
a "teensy" bit greener 
with every passing day.

There are buds 
on nearly every tree and bush.
The little hyacinths
are starting to peak
through the wet dirt.





And the sun is back!



But to rush it a little indoors, 
I bought some supermarket blooms
to spruce things up in the kitchen today.






And I decided to move an antique print
that I my mom recently gave to me 
into the kitchen. 




Thought it might be fun
to have it near all the brown and white
transferware and ironstone.


(Photo courtesy of  LiveAuctioneers.com)



The print/etching is a piece called
"Love's Young Dream"  - 1887
that was originally
an oil painting by 

(1850-1936)

(Click here to see it in color and up close,
The original hangs in the National Museum
of Women in the Arts in Washington, DC)






This piece hung in our house
for as long as I can remember
and it's fun to look into the scene
and to imagine what the relationships
are in the painting.  











I used to think it told the story of a woman,
still living with her older parents, 
waiting for possibly many years,
for her one true love to come home -- 
(maybe from a war?)
--- he can be seen off in the distance 
arriving on horseback.

But who knows?!



Could not get a good shot of the print. So many reflections
from the glass and the windows across the room!) 


 Anyway,
it's now in our kitchen
and my kids can sit and ponder
the same question
as they 
eat their veggies!

:)

Happy sunny days 
to you today 
and always.
 




Have a lovely day!



18 comments:

Elizabeth@ Pine Cones and Acorns said...

I think that the new print looks lovely, and how nice to have a piece from your childhood with so many happy memories.

Yvonne @ StoneGable said...

What a gorgeous vignette! The picture really does tell a sweet story. The sepia tones really adds to beauty of the images!!!!
Spring is slowly coming to StoneGable too! I want to start digging in the dirt, but I'm afraid the weather will turn cool again. It's hard to wait for the warm weather!!!

Miss Kitty said...

That is just a gorgeous vignette, Alison! It has so many interesting elements to it with all the brown and cream tones. The print does present us with images to make up our own story to go along with it. It reminds me of the scene in "Gone With The Wind" when Ashley is returning from the war and Melanie sees him coming down the long road in front of Tara. I let too many "Favorites on the First" sneak up on me...I am thinking now about flowers to share on May 1st...May Day!

Cindy @ Dwellings-The Heart of Your Home said...

So pretty Alison, love your vignette. I used to do the same thing as a child, my grandmother had a picture of beautiful ladies in their "Gone With the Wind" gowns with one lone gent there with them in a living room around a grand piano...I used to imagine what they were talking about, where they were going, what they were singing...
Love your flowers...so glad warm days are here!
Blessings,
Cndy

MarmePurl said...

It's so wonderful when art 'speaks' to you.

The enchanted home said...

Gorgeous vignette, love the art, it really makes the space and look so at home in your beautiful home, Alison:)

ℳartina @ Northern Nesting said...

Beautiful print and gorgeous vignette!!

Pamela Gordon said...

I saw this on Facebook this morning and thought it was so lovely. The print does say a lot with each of the characters in it. I love the vignette with the beautiful bowl of eggs and your alabaster lamp. Very pretty! I could eat quite contentedly while viewing this lovely scene. :) Hugs, Pamela

Dixie Delights said...

Just lovely, as always! Welcome spring!!

Amy said...

What a great print. Yes...it is telling a story. I imagine it's a different story for each who study's it. You're right... it has been a very slow to start spring but it's finally starting! ~Amy

Shenita @ Embellishments by SLR said...

What a lovely vignette, Alison! Love the print; and the flowers are beautiful. The hydrangeas got me right away! Things are blooming here, now; and I just brought in the first roses of the season.

Andrea said...

It is a gorgeous etching.Some of my favorite art in my home is old etchings very similar to yours. If it makes you feel any better, we are still covered in a blanket of snow here. This spring is utterly depressing lol

Sarah said...

Alison, I read your post last night on my iPhone, but couldn't comment. Back today to say that your vignette is absolutely charming with every detail. Brown transfer ware ~ sigh! White ironstone ~ sigh! Tulips, roses, hydrangeas ~ sigh! Your sweet etching ~ big sigh! I have a habit of cropping out sections of paintings and studying just that section to take it all in, so I like seeing the individual vignettes you spotlighted. Nice to have a piece from your childhood home. ~ Sarah

Babs said...

Hi, Alison! I'm so glad Spring has started to arrive at your house. Love your vignette with the sweet antique print. Thanks for including the link about the artist and painting. Loving it all, especially the transferware bowl of eggs and the fresh flowers. Happy Spring!
Babs

Pura Vida said...

Gosh I like this print and the blossoms just bring it all forth!

Unknown said...

That looks so beautiful and the print and flowers go together beautifully.

Sherry @ No Minimalist Here said...

Hi Alison, Your print is lovely and the brown transferware bowl looks perfect in the vignette. There has been no Spring here in Florida. The weather has gone from hot to hotter!
Hugs,
Sherry

The French Hutch said...

Oh how lovely Alison. What a treasured gift, one you enjoyed growing up and now your family will enjoy the print. What a great addition for your home, sharing the colors of your transferware. Most of our spring flowers have bloomed out and I’m enjoying all your flowers arrangements. I often pick up flowers from my supermarket too.
Happy weekend Alison.

~Emily
The French Hutch