Great White Egrets in a July Shower
Watercolor and graphite on paper
21 7/8 x 29 3/4 inches
1950
As published in:
Alice: Alice Ravenel Huger Smith, Charleston Renaissance Artist
In 1912, Smith wrote and illustrated a book of poetry as a gift to her to her five-year-old niece. Now a published children’s story, The Heron Book conveys the artist’s deeply held appreciation and intimate knowledge of the Lowcountry’s flora and fauna, most particularly the region’s bird species.
“And then there are two to tell you of yet.
The white Snowy Heron and the Great White Egret.
There used to be thousands so lovely and white,
With their beautiful plumes like spun-glass in the light;
With their black bills and legs showing clear ‘gainst the sky,
They would rise in white clouds, if you chanced to pass by.”
Other works by this artist