The Madame B Album c. 1870s

Marie-Blanche Hennelle Fournier made this design for a cabinet using pen and ink with watercolor in the 19th century. The pen and ink work give a firmness to the design, while the watercolor softens the overall visual effect. Notice how the artist carefully renders the details of the ornate decoration, as well as the classical figures adorning the front of the cabinet. Fournier was part of a generation of female artists who gained recognition for their skills in painting and drawing. Her proficiency in draughtsmanship, and her mastery of the watercolor medium, allowed her to create designs that showcased her talent and attention to detail. The design captures the opulence and refinement of a bygone era. By focusing on the process and materials used, we can appreciate the artistic skill, and social context that contributed to its creation, thus blurring traditional boundaries between fine art and craft.