July Tee (1889) (Ivory)

While others celebrated New Year’s Eve, Walter Crane (1845–1915) mourned December’s passing. Created sometime around 1889 with his daughter Beatrice (1873–1935), The Procession of the Months synthesizes Walter’s two earlier treatments of the calendrical theme, reflecting age across the gutter between text and image. Walter illustrated the verse that Beatrice wrote. In the case of The Procession of the Months, it seems the images came later, for the preface notes the poem’s creation when she was “quite a child”, demonstrating how “each Season, with its ever-changing beauties, was fully realized by the child’s quick, artistic imagination.” 

By reedy riverside, where swans do take their rest, July, with languid steps, comes forth so richly drest. For all the summer tints are woven in her dress; A girdle spun of gold, her dainty waist doth press. Her hair of auburn gold, is braided up with flowers, her eyes so clear and blue do speak of happy hours. She brings her tall lilies, both orange and pure white; and many other flowers to give our hearts delight. But while the water lilies are opening bright and fair, she slowly, softly goes in the still summer air.