White Peacock on Wisteria, circa 1930, Oil on board, 30.5 x 23.5", signed lower right Price on request PROVENANCE The paintings of Jessie Arms Botke are a unique and wonder-filled world all their own. Most often, they are pictures of birds, a large variety including white peacocks, blue peacocks, cockatoos, ducks, swans, geese, pheasants, and toucans, among others. The birds are shown in natural settings accompanied by carefully painted flora, with studiously observed renditions of leaves and flowers. Far from being mere pictures of birds and plants, her paintings are richly adorned with an abundance of minutely rendered detail: every petal, every leaf and every feather becomes an important element of the whole pictorial scheme. Peacock Seated on Wisteria is an iconic example of her bold decorative works of exotic birds. In the background is a rare view of the California coast, with the deep blues of the Pacific Ocean framed by the lush colors of lavender wisteria.