Unsung Heroines
Hover over the painting to magnify (there may be an initial delay while the magnified image is loaded)
SOLDElla Casella (1858-1946):
A Renaissance Lady, circa 1890
Framed (ref: 8454)
Wax, set with seed pearls and semi-precious stones
Titled on label to reverse
3 5/8 in. (9.3 cm) diameter
See all works by Ella Casella carved/relief design sculpture allegory women WOMEN The Alan M. Fortunoff Collection
Provenance: The Fine Art Society 1984; The Fortunoff Collection
Exhibited; The Fine Art Society, 1984
Literature; Dreams, Dances and Disappointments by Gertrude A. Konstam and illustrated by N Casella and E Casella. Published by Thos. de la Rue & Co, London, 1881. The Maypole by Gertrude A. Konstam and illustrated by N Casella and E Casella. Published by Thos. de la Rue & Co, London, 1882. The baby's "début" by J. Smith and illustrated by N Casella and E Casella. Published by Thos. de la Rue & Co, London, 1883.
Ella Casella (1858-1946) and her sister Nelia Casella (1859-1950) were artists who worked collaboratively in a variety of media: wax, watercolour, glass enamelling, leather tooling and metalworking. In the 1880s, they studied under Alphonse Legros (1837-1911) at the Slade School of Art and exhibited both at the Royal Academy and with the Arts and Crafts Exhibition Society in the 1890s. As part of the revival of Renaissance art by British artists in this period, the Casella sisters drew from a Renaissance tradition, in form and method, aligning themselves with great masters such as Pisanello (1395-1455).In addition to making medals, the sisters contributed illustrations to books listed below. Examples of the Casella Sister's work are in the collection of the V&A.
Ella Casella, Woman in Renaissance Costume, circa 1890, collection of V&A
