A Girl Watering Her Garden - Jessie Willcox Smith Art Print

The familiar lines of "Mary, Mary quite contrary, How does your garden grow? Silver bells and cockle shells, And pretty maids all in a row" come to life through Jessie Willcox Smith's artistry in The Little Mother Goose (1912). This charming illustration captures the essence of the classic rhyme, depicting the very Mary referenced, alongside her whimsical garden. Upon closer inspection, one can discern delicate bells, shells, and charming little dolls growing amidst the flowers! See this image on a greeting card! Jessie Willcox Smith (1863-1935), a cherished name at Laughing Elephant, wields a remarkable artistic legacy. Mentored by Howard Pyle, an illustrious influence, she emerged as a formidable woman artist in the Golden Age of Illustration, defying norms in a male-dominated realm—she was among the highest-paid illustrators of her time! Beyond canvas, she left her mark on nearly 200 Good Housekeeping magazine covers, while also gracing classic children's books and creating artistic