Floriana or the method of constructing artificial flowers, circa 1830

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Summary

Creator:
Rhinfeld , Madame de, creator
Abstract:
Madame de Rhinfeld, née St. Clair, grew up in a convent in France, where she was instructed in the construction of artificial flowers. She later used this skill to make a living in England. Collection comprises an handwritten, unpublished manuscript volume (256 written pages, plus 45 watercolor and 5 pen and ink plates of illustrations) by Madame de Rhinfeld, written around 1830. In the manuscript, Rhinfeld provides detailed instruction on how to create 24 different artificial flowers, and describes the tools used to make them. Flowers include pomegranate, hyacinth, roses, pansies, narcissus, geraniums, and orange flowers, among others. Includes watercolor diagrams regarding the construction of each flower, with additional paintings of the finished piece. The instructions are accompanied by a chapter of poetry, stories, quotations, and commentary related to each flower. Scattered throughout the manuscript are other pen and ink drawings. Includes an index to flowers and to poets.
Extent:
0.7 Linear Feet (1 item)
Language:
Materials in English
Research Center:
Sallie Bingham Center for Women's History and Culture
Collection ID:
RL.11532

Background

Scope and content:

Collection comprises an handwritten, unpublished manuscript volume (256 written pages, plus 45 watercolor and 5 pen and ink plates of illustrations) by Madame de Rhinfeld, written around 1830. In the manuscript, Rhinfeld provides detailed instruction on how to create 24 different artificial flowers, and describes the tools used to make them. Flowers include pomegranate, hyacinth, roses, pansies, narcissus, geraniums, and orange flowers, among others. Includes watercolor diagrams regarding the construction of each flower, with additional paintings of the finished piece. The instructions are accompanied by a chapter of poetry, stories, quotations, and commentary related to each flower. Scattered throughout the manuscript are other pen and ink drawings. Includes an index to flowers and to poets.

Biographical / historical:

Madame de Rhinfeld, née St. Clair, grew up in a convent in France, where she was instructed in the construction of artificial flowers. She later used this skill to make a living in England.

Acquisition information:
Floriana or the Method of Constructing Artificial Flowers was received by the David M. Rubenstein Rare Book Manuscript Library as a purchase in 2015.
Processing information:

Processed by Alice Poffinberger, October 2017

Accessions described in this collection guide: 2015-0050-LUBMSS413

Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard

Subjects

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Subjects:
Artificial flowers
Women -- Employment -- England
Format:
Watercolors (paintings)
Pen and ink drawings.
Names:
Lisa Unger Baskin Collection (David M. Rubenstein Rare Book & Manuscript Library)
Sallie Bingham Center for Women's History and Culture
Rhinfeld , Madame de
Baskin, Lisa Unger

Contents

Using These Materials

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Using These Materials


Restrictions:

Collection is open for research.

Terms of access:

The copyright interests in this collection have not been transferred to Duke University. For more information, consult the copyright section of the Regulations and Procedures of the David M. Rubenstein Rare Book & Manuscript Library.

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Preferred citation:

[Identification of item], Floriana or the Method of Constructing Artificial Flowers, David M. Rubenstein Rare Book & Manuscript Library, Duke University.