The artwork titled “Birth of the Pearl, from The Kingdom of the Pearl” is a creation of Edmund Dulac, an artist associated with the Art Nouveau (Modern) movement. This piece is an illustration and is part of the series “The Kingdom of the Pearl”.
The artwork depicts an underwater scene dominated by an opened oyster shell. Within the shell lies a luminous, serene female figure, suggesting the birth of a pearl. The surrounding environment is meticulously detailed, showcasing diverse marine life such as fish and coral, rendered in intricate patterns and vivid colors. The depiction combines elements of fantasy and nature, creating a harmonious and enchanting underwater tableau characteristic of Dulac’s illustrative style. The use of subtle gradients and delicate lines emphasizes the ethereal and otherworldly quality of this illustrative work from the Art Nouveau period.
