A COMPLETE and COMPREHENSIVE TREATISE in the ART of MIXING TINTS of COLORS for Landscape, Flower, Sea Views, & Pottery Painting in Oil & Water Colors. [Pamphlet] Prescott, Mary Everlena, Albany, New York.

Description

Paperback pamphlet cover has some wear and staining. Pages are clean and the binding is secure.

This delightfully quirky 19th-century pamphlet offers a window into the fascinating world of Victorian-era painting manuals and the burgeoning interest in amateur artistry. Written by Mary Everlena Prescott of Albany, New York, it provides a comprehensive guide to mixing colors for landscape, floral, seascape, and pottery painting in both oil and watercolor mediums. While the modest pamphlet format may belie its significance, it represents an important piece of social history, reflecting the era’s emphasis on self-improvement and the democratization of artistic pursuits.

Prescott’s meticulous instructions reveal not only the technical aspects of color theory and pigment blending but also shed light on the artistic sensibilities and aesthetic ideals of the time. Her advice on capturing the nuances of nature’s hues and the atmospherics of different scenes offers a glimpse into the Victorian appreciation for the picturesque and the sublime. This unassuming volume would be a prized addition to collections focusing on the history of art instruction, Victorian culture, or the evolution of amateur artistic pursuits.