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Ruth O'Donnell
Title: Vignette
Size: 20 x 50 cm
Meduim: Etching
Vignette is inspired by a page from a late medieval French Book of
Hours in the Chester Beatty Library. The title refers to the practice
in some manuscripts of enclosing a small image in a border of vines.
Books of Hours were designed to be personal possessions. I thought
this an appropriate starting point for a piece about gardens because a
garden, as distinct from a public park or open countryside, is a form
of private space. It is a space designated for personal use and
enjoyment, such as the al fresco meal being shared by the young
couple.
Setting a table in the garden also has other positive connotations -
the arrival of summer - something of childhood - freedom - expansive
happiness...
Looking again at the manuscript I was reminded of another context in
which I had seen an image presented in a similar way - a small outdoor
scene framed within a botanical decoration. It was on a porcelain vase
(one of many in my sketchbook). This was another object from the
private sphere. My print combines these ideas
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