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As I mentioned last week, we are going to the Netherlands this summer, so I've been immersing myself in all things Dutch lately. I've always been drawn to vintage Dutch patterns and fabrics as well as children's book illustrations. I've often seen illustrations of children and adults in a similar or exact style as the ones in this book of mine (of which I bought at Atlanta Vintage Books!) donning all kinds of products offered in online Dutch shops - whether it be in the vintage section on Etsy or other independant online shops I've found.
This really sweet face style I've always associated with the Dutch because they always seem to be the ones selling these items. But to my surprise when I was researching this particular illustrator, Concha Matamoros, (I'm assuming female? Help me out Spanish readers?) she is actually based out of Spain not the Netherlands! And of course when I looked closely to find the illustrator's name, it was obvious she wasn't Dutch.
I think the young girls depicted also seem very Dutch, or Scandinavian, or even German with their often very blonde hair and blue eyes. I think that threw me off as well. I see that my book was actually printed in Belgium, so maybe she worked around that area and was influenced by the people? Not sure. I couldn't find out much about her online, sadly.
Aren't these illustrations just beautiful? I just can't get enough of them. There are some pages missing from my book unfortunately, but you get the gist of the story. I also love that the book has been diecut into a unique shape.
Sadly, the cover is a little damaged, but the back is in good condition. SO cute.
Most of the books I've found online illustrated by Matamoros seem to have been printed in the '60's. While doing my research, I found a bunch more items illustrated by her, mostly on a Spanish auction site. How beautiful are these Madonna and Child pieces? I think they are brochures or cards of some kind. I'm am so in love with them.
How fabulous is this little girl with her mod dress, checkered shoes and little camera!?
More brochures or cards.
And more books that look like they family with my book, having a similar diecut and subject matter.
Do you have, or have you seen any books or other products illustrated by this artist?
You can find more posts from this Illustrated series here.
Wow, what awesome illustrations! I love discovering things like this, darling look to them!
Posted by: Maggi | February 27, 2012 at 10:10 AM
Those are gorgeous! Glad you shared!
Posted by: Alicia | February 27, 2012 at 11:30 AM
No, but I have something that's clearly a knockoff of her style: http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3248/2297558740_f641699986_z.jpg
Posted by: Aimee | February 27, 2012 at 11:40 AM
I'm in awe of her work. What a treasure you have!
Posted by: Teena | February 27, 2012 at 05:32 PM
Do you know Constanza, Ferrandiz and Gallarda illustrations? Try to get some images of their works and you'll fall in love with them... and Purita Campos and Maria Pascual... They were the illustrations of my childhood
Posted by: Laura | February 28, 2012 at 10:56 AM
The name Concha is the abbreviation of Concepción (it represents or means the Conception of our Madonna)and it's a female name.
Posted by: Laura | February 28, 2012 at 11:02 AM
I was going to tell you the same as some people have already told you, you would love to discover María Pascual and Ferrándiz. Much in this 60s style, but I think they are much better artist, their work outstands this artist, Concha Matamoros, who seems to be a copy of them. Both of them are sadly dead (María died only a pair of months ago) but their illustration legacy, specially Ferrándiz Christmas cards, is so absolutely marvellous, even a stamp was dedicated to him!!!
Posted by: Fancylooks | February 29, 2012 at 02:29 AM
Maybe you'll love Nuco, Gabriel, Roser Puig, Baró, Vernet too
Posted by: Laura | March 01, 2012 at 08:35 AM