May 1909

Jessie Willcox Smith made this illustration called “May”, but when, I don’t know. The whole scene is outlined with a confident and flowing line, making the image almost like a stained glass window; the colours are held within each shape but are very lightly applied. The surface has a dry, porous texture, and the colours have a muted, chalky effect. Check out how Smith has described the folds in the big red cloak in the foreground. They are created from just a few lines that simply indicate the changes in direction of the fabric. This approach really emphasizes the flatness of the picture plane, because Smith isn't trying to trick us into thinking this is a real figure. Instead, it's a symbol, an idea of a figure. We can see some of the same flatness in some of the early Modernists, like Vuillard. Ultimately, it's a wonderful illustration: direct, clear, and full of the joys of Spring.