Arthur Mathews and
Lucia Mathews originated the
California Decorative Style, which is conceptually and visually related to
Art Nouveau,
Arts and Crafts, and the
pre-Raphaelites. They emphasized both the human figure and the
landscape, and they were major figures in the art and cultural world of the western
United States circa
1890-
1920.
In addition to
paintings and
illustration, they produced amazingly carved and decorated
frames,
cabinets, and
chairs with the functional-art sensibility of the Arts and Crafts movement. Their artwork is
relaxed but
elegant, with the vivid greens, golds, and reds of
California hills and flowers. It is extremely striking work, warm and lively, and while they are less well-known than many other artists of the period, I recommend seeking out anything of theirs that you can find.