Victorian Flower Painting
This is a style of decorative painting named for its period, the reign of Queen Victoria, 1837 - 1901. Realistic flowers and leaves form the base coat. This is tinted with transparent (“floating”) colors, then accented with white. The painting is often framed with gold or other metal leaf and drips, and the background may be bronzed. The effect is translucent or iridescent. Other common subjects were birds such as peacocks and birds of paradise, and fountains, sometimes painted over gold or metal leaf. It is found on metal, papier maché, or wooden objects - fans, trays, bread baskets, lap desks, boxes, and furniture for example.
