Illustration from Arabella and Araminta Stories 1895

This illustration from the “Arabella and Araminta Stories” invites us into the imaginative world of childhood, as seen through the eyes of Ethel Reed, a female artist working in the late 19th century. The image shows two girls dressed in voluminous skirts and large hats, playfully pretending to be peacocks. Their bodies merge with the peacock tails, creating a whimsical scene. Reed, who was a part of the Art Nouveau movement, often infused her work with a sense of fantasy and escape. The artist’s personal life was marked by both success and tragedy. As a woman artist in a male-dominated field, Reed challenged conventions. Yet, her career was cut short by personal struggles. This image serves as a poignant reminder of the beauty and fragility of childhood, tinged with an awareness of the societal constraints placed on women during her time. It captures a fleeting moment of joy and freedom. The work leaves us to ponder the complexities of identity, representation, and the artist's own story.