Flora’s Feast: A Masque of Flowers (1889). Illustrated by Walter Crane

Flora’s Feast: A Masque of Flowers is a poetic and visual celebration of flowers imagined as a grand pageant, brought to life through the artistry of Walter Crane. First published in 1889 by Cassell & Company, this unique picture book is subtitled “A Masque of Flowers,” referring to the Elizabethan tradition of decorative, theatrical court entertainments. In this whimsical masque, flowers are personified as elegant characters in a courtly procession—complete with knights, ladies, heralds, and even jesters—each illustrated in rich detail and accompanied by brief, lyrical verses.

The book features no traditional narrative; instead, it unfolds as a vibrant visual parade, where each page showcases a different flower represented as a figure in costume, cleverly designed to reflect its botanical qualities. Flowers such as the Rose, Lily, Foxglove, and Snapdragon are transformed into humanlike figures adorned in petal robes and leaf-textured attire. Crane’s fusion of art and poetry gives the book a dreamlike, romantic tone that appeals to both children and adults, especially lovers of illustration, botany, and design.

About the Illustrator:
Walter Crane (1845–1915) was one of the most influential British illustrators and decorative artists of the Victorian era. Closely associated with the Arts and Crafts Movement, Crane believed in the integration of art into everyday life. His work is marked by strong lines, stylized forms, and rich ornamentation influenced by classical art, Japanese prints, and medieval manuscripts. Crane illustrated numerous children’s books, many of which he also wrote, and was known for his moral and allegorical themes. In Flora’s Feast, Crane’s mastery of design and imagination is on full display, blending botany, mythology, and visual storytelling in a single floral fantasia.

For collectors:

• The Baby’s Opera (1877), illustrated by Walter Crane – A charming early nursery rhyme collection with music and richly patterned illustrations.
• Queen Summer or The Journey of the Lily and the Rose (1891), illustrated by Walter Crane – A seasonal allegory and visual sequel to Flora’s Feast.

• The Language of Flowers by Kate Greenaway (1884) – A complementary Victorian floral illustration classic

Art Gallery: Walter Crane – Flora’s Feast: A Masque of Flowers 1889