The work of Elaine Gignilliat is identifiable with the immediacy of works by da Vinci, Vermeer, Munch or Mondrian, just not with the same cultural cache – she was the secret genius behind more than 350 oil paintings on the covers of bestselling romance novels over the 1970s, ’80s, and ’90s.
Thirteen breathless Gignilliats are on display through August at Harvard Square’s Lovestruck books, taking lovers of love from the sea to the swamp and from the Regency era to colonial times with kings and vampires, soldiers and rogues, always in the arms of perfectly coiffed women in the act of swooning, demurring or quiet contemplation. (Though “The First Rebellion” features three women in a drawing room in respite from the throbbing emotions depicted elsewhere.) Gignilliat (1928-2016) valued authenticity, we’re told by her estate and Lovestruck publicity, and she researched period-accurate clothing and settings before painting them in oil from her own photographs of models.
“Bringing my mother’s paintings together and into public view after so many years is an opportunity not only to celebrate her extraordinary artistry, but to recognize the beauty, emotional depth and cultural significance of the romance genre she devoted her career to,” said Laura Sawyer, curator of her mother’s collection.
Of course the first showing of the collection is at Lovestruck, a bookstore focused on romance. “We are honored,” said Rachel Kanter, the store’s owner and founder. “Book cover art is an essential part of the reading experience … a compelling cover draws us in, sparks our curiosity, and offers a first glimpse into the world waiting within the pages.”
“Holding the Moment,” at Lovestruck Books, 44 Brattle St., Harvard Square, Cambridge. Free.
