(3.6) 1586 piece wood puzzle, "Buvons au Nouveau Succès," Lux Michou, France.
Completed in time for the Christmas holiday, this festive scene was just the right degree of difficulty that I was looking for. With that said, I won't be buying many puzzles of this style simply because I don't like the way they look compared to the mosaic style cutting of Michele Wilson, Royal Vera, Eddie, or Genest Le Colimaçon. To me, the busy, looping cut obscures the details of the scene too much, instead of highlighting them. But I did want to have at least one example of this style, so when I someday exhibit my works I can illustrate and highlight the differences in styles.
I suspect that this puzzle (which was cut in a stack, as evidenced by several pinholes) was cut using a continuous line method, where the cutter runs the blade continuously but without ever chopping an individual piece. They are left with two snaking pieces, which are then chopped into many individual pieces. I like that there are no whimsies in the puzzle, as that further enhances the distraction (to my eye). I think there is much technical skill involved in this swooping style cut (especially at this size .. the pieces are very small, the puzzle measuring 17.5" x 23"), but I admire more the cutter who is interacting with the image itself, rather than just focusing on cutting similar swoops.
The puzzle is complete, which is reason for celebration itself, considering how many fewer pieces it has than estimated on the box. There appears to be one replacement piece, near the man wearing green, but it is so perfect both in the shape and the backing paper, that perhaps it is an original piece that was discolored. Or maybe Lux Michou itself replaced the piece, using duplicate backing paper.
The painting is signed "M. Dovaston 1934," and further research shows that the painting is titled "Here's to Another Success," by Margaret Dovaston (1884 - 1954). Trained as an artist in the academy, she was well-known throughout England for her interior scenes and her war paintings from World War I. I also recognize her work in this Eddie puzzle. This genre isn't my favorite, and the print could be a bit sharper, but I think it's appropriate for this time of year. Overall a fun puzzle and another new experience for me.
Completed in 15 hr., 48 mins.; average time: 35.9 secs./piece; 100.4 pcs./hr. Difficulty rating: 3.6/10.
(3.6) 1586 piece wood puzzle, "Buvons au Nouveau Succès," Lux Michou, France.
Completed in time for the Christmas holiday, this festive scene was just the right degree of difficulty that I was looking for. With that said, I won't be buying many puzzles of this style simply because I don't like the way they look compared to the mosaic style cutting of Michele Wilson, Royal Vera, Eddie, or Genest Le Colimaçon. To me, the busy, looping cut obscures the details of the scene too much, instead of highlighting them. But I did want to have at least one example of this style, so when I someday exhibit my works I can illustrate and highlight the differences in styles.
I suspect that this puzzle (which was cut in a stack, as evidenced by several pinholes) was cut using a continuous line method, where the cutter runs the blade continuously but without ever chopping an individual piece. They are left with two snaking pieces, which are then chopped into many individual pieces. I like that there are no whimsies in the puzzle, as that further enhances the distraction (to my eye). I think there is much technical skill involved in this swooping style cut (especially at this size .. the pieces are very small, the puzzle measuring 17.5" x 23"), but I admire more the cutter who is interacting with the image itself, rather than just focusing on cutting similar swoops.
The puzzle is complete, which is reason for celebration itself, considering how many fewer pieces it has than estimated on the box. There appears to be one replacement piece, near the man wearing green, but it is so perfect both in the shape and the backing paper, that perhaps it is an original piece that was discolored. Or maybe Lux Michou itself replaced the piece, using duplicate backing paper.
The painting is signed "M. Dovaston 1934," and further research shows that the painting is titled "Here's to Another Success," by Margaret Dovaston (1884 - 1954). Trained as an artist in the academy, she was well-known throughout England for her interior scenes and her war paintings from World War I. I also recognize her work in this Eddie puzzle. This genre isn't my favorite, and the print could be a bit sharper, but I think it's appropriate for this time of year. Overall a fun puzzle and another new experience for me.
Completed in 15 hr., 48 mins.; average time: 35.9 secs./piece; 100.4 pcs./hr. Difficulty rating: 3.6/10.