"Afterglow" (1914) by Florence H. McGillivray [1864–1938].
when the sun seems
to breathe its last
there is an afterglow
and fantastical words--
crepuscular, vespertine--
describe its creatures
© Diane Mayr, all rights reserved.
"Afterglow" (1914) by Florence H. McGillivray [1864–1938].
when the sun seems
to breathe its last
there is an afterglow
and fantastical words--
crepuscular, vespertine--
describe its creatures
© Diane Mayr, all rights reserved.
"At the Dressing Table. Self-Portrait" (1909) by Zinaida Serebriakova [1884-1967].
whites and tints
highlight the triangle
of terracotta and
auburn with her face
at its apex
she lives her art
© Diane Mayr, all rights reserved.
"Blooming apple-trees. The trees are in blossom" (1899) by Maria Yakunchikova [1870-1902].
apple trees in bloom
spring, albeit briefly,
perfumes the air
in a few months the scent
of over-ripe apples will
languish through autumn
© Diane Mayr, all rights reserved.
Today's artist is more famous as being the model for others' work. Perhaps most recognizable is the portrayal of her as "Ophelia" by John Everett Millais. Her husband, Dante Gabriel Rossetti, was a well-known poet and artist, so I imagine it may have been a struggle to get herself recognized as a poet and artist, too. Read a fascinating BBC article here.
"Lady Affixing Pennant to a Knight's Spear" by Elizabeth Eleanor Siddal [1829-1862].
sidestep the vicissitudes
of physical beauty
dare to become
a person of artistic
accomplishments
the impossibilities, endless
© Diane Mayr, all rights reserved.
"The Tiff" (c. 1902) by Florence Carlyle [1864-1923].
I do not mind sulking
it gives us both the time
to think--him about
the unkind thing he said
me about the apologetic
kisses he will soon offer
© Diane Mayr, all rights reserved.
"Bathing Baby" by Elanor Colburn [1866-1939].
if only she would sit
in the water
without
that sodden rabbit
bathing baby
© Diane Mayr, all rights reserved.
"Skaters" by Marianne von Werefkin [1860-1938].
ice skating
at night I think of myself
as a dark presence flying
over the ice snatching
bits of private conversations
like a bat catches mosquitoes
© Diane Mayr, all rights reserved.