Florence Koehler facts for kids

Florence Koehler (1861 – 1944) was a talented American artist. She was known for her beautiful jewelry, designs, and crafts. She was one of the most famous jewelers during the Arts and Crafts movement. This was a time in the late 1800s and early 1900s when artists focused on creating handmade, high-quality items.

About Her Life

Florence Cary was born on November 8, 1861, in Jackson, Michigan. She grew up in Missouri and moved to Kansas City in 1881. She married Frederick Koehler. By 1893, she was in charge of the Ceramics Department at the Kansas City Art School.

Moving to Chicago and Learning New Skills

Florence and Frederick moved to Chicago. There, she showed her ceramic art at a big event called the World's Columbian Exposition. She also briefly ran a business that decorated homes with her friend Mrs. E. W. Sheridan.

Koehler helped start the Chicago Arts and Crafts Society. She taught classes on making jewelry and working with metals. She also taught women how to paint on china. People said she helped her students create "beautiful, excellent, and original" art.

Studying in Europe

In March 1898, Florence traveled to London. She studied how to make enamel art and jewelry with a famous artist named Alexander Fisher. After this, her artwork often looked like older designs, especially from the Renaissance period.

After 1900, Florence Koehler separated from her husband. She moved to London with her friend Emily Crane Chadbourne. Florence had her own art studio in London. She met many famous people there, including writers and artists.

Later Years in Paris and Rome

Starting in 1912, she moved to Paris, France. She lived in a famous square called Place des Vosges. In Paris, she became friends with the well-known artist Henri Matisse. In 1920, Koehler met Mary Elizabeth Sharpe, who supported artists.

In the 1930s, Florence moved to Rome, Italy. She became ill in January 1944 and was diagnosed with cancer. She passed away in Rome on May 4, 1944. Florence left her belongings to Mary Elizabeth Sharpe. Sharpe organized an art show of Florence's work in 1948, after her death.

Her Legacy

Collections of Florence Koehler's jewelry and paintings were given to art museums. Her jewelry is at the Rhode Island School of Design. Her paintings are at the Everson Museum of Art. Many of her letters and papers are kept at the Arthur and Elizabeth Schlesinger Library at Harvard University.

Her Artworks

Florence Koehler first started as a potter, making things from clay. After her trip to London, she began making jewelry seriously. Besides jewelry, she also created many drawings and paintings.

Jewelry Style

When making jewelry, Koehler designed each piece specially for her clients. She chose gemstones carefully. She liked to use cabochons, which are smooth, rounded gemstones, instead of faceted ones (which have many flat cuts).

Her jewelry became famous around the world. She was known for her "leafy designs" with groups of gems set in 18-carat gold. A famous art critic named Roger Fry praised her work in 1910. He wrote that her jewelry had an "imaginative and poetic quality." He said it was a very important part of bringing back the art of craftsmanship in modern times.