Salon des Cent. 1899.

ARTIST: FIRMIN BOUISSET (1859-1925) SIZE: 16 3/8 x 24 3/8 in./41.5 x 62 cm PRINTER: Imp. Chaix, Paris DESCRIPTION: The young red-haired quill-bearer appears to have found her way through the vegetative Art Nouveau maelstrom swirling about her. It’s an engaging, enigmatic, delicate, and sumptuous creation set forth by Bouisset to promote an ensemble exhibition at the Salon des Cent. It has the feeling of a fresh-faced allegory, but exactly what is it intended to embody: an examination of the creative process, a commentary regarding commercial acceptance, or the pursuit of an artistic muse? While no immediate answers are forthcoming, each question provoked by the artwork deepens an appreciation of the expression. (Art Nouveau; Exhibitions)