Our Lady Of The Cow Parsley (47 Pieces) By Elizabeth Sonrel, Mini Wooden Jigsaw Puzzle

Elizabeth Sonrel

Élisabeth Sonrel (1874–1953) was a French painter and illustrator renowned for her contributions to the Art Nouveau movement. Born in Tours, she received her initial artistic training from her father, Nicolas Stéphane Sonrel, a painter himself. In 1891, she moved to Paris to further her studies at the Académie Julian under the guidance of Jules Lefebvre, as women were not yet admitted to the École des Beaux-Arts. Her early work, including her 1892 diploma piece "Pax et Labor," showcased her talent and was later exhibited at the Musée des Beaux-Arts in Tours. Sonrel began exhibiting at the Salon des Artistes Français in 1893 and continued until 1941. Her style was heavily influenced by her travels to Florence and Rome, where she was inspired by Renaissance artists, particularly Sandro Botticelli. This influence led her to adopt a Pre-Raphaelite approach, characterized by detailed and idealized depictions of women, often set against mystical and allegorical backdrops. Her dedication to her craft and her journey from Tours to Paris is a testament to her commitment to art.
Sonrel's oeuvre is marked by its allegorical, mystical, and symbolic themes, drawing inspiration from Arthurian legends, Dante's "Divine Comedy," biblical narratives, and medieval lore. Notable works such as "Âmes errantes" (1894) and "Les Esprits de l’abîme" (1899) exemplify her fascination with the ethereal and the spiritual. Her 1895 painting "Le Sommeil de la Vierge" garnered significant acclaim, earning her a bronze medal at the 1900 Exposition Universelle in Paris and the Henri Lehmann prize from the Académie des Beaux-Arts. Beyond painting, Sonrel also produced Art Nouveau posters, postcards, and book illustrations, further cementing her role in disseminating the movement's aesthetic.
In the early 20th century, Sonrel found inspiration in the landscapes and people of Brittany, particularly the forest of Brocéliande and coastal towns like Concarneau and Pont-l'Abbé. She frequently painted young Breton women, capturing their likenesses with precision and sensitivity. Working primarily in watercolor and gouache, her compositions are noted for their luminous color palettes and intricate details, especially in the rendering of fabrics and flora. Despite her success during her lifetime, Sonrel's work fell into relative obscurity in the mid-20th century. However, in recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest in her art, with institutions like the Ashmolean Museum acquiring her pieces, such as the 1897 watercolor "Les Rameaux." This revival of interest in her art is an exciting development, ensuring that her legacy endures and her art continues to inspire new generations.