Ethel Reed was a prominent American graphic artist and illustrator, celebrated for her contributions to the Art Nouveau movement in the 1890s. Born in Newburyport, Massachusetts, she exhibited artistic talent from a young age, studying under local artist Laura Coombs Hills. In 1890, Reed and her mother relocated to Boston, where she briefly attended the Cowles Art School, focusing on miniature drawing, though she was largely self-taught.

Reed's career gained momentum in 1895 when she designed a series of posters for the Boston Sunday Herald, showcasing her distinctive Art Nouveau style characterized by flowing lines and organic forms. Her work quickly garnered international acclaim, leading to commissions for book illustrations and magazine covers. She became associated with notable publications such as The Yellow Book, an avant-garde British periodical, and collaborated with esteemed writers and artists of her time.

Despite her rapid rise to fame, Reed's career was remarkably brief. By 1898, she had vanished from the public eye, and details about her later life remain scarce. It is known that she moved to Europe, spending time in London and later in Dublin. Tragically, she passed away in 1912 under circumstances that are not well documented.

Reed's legacy endures through her contributions to graphic design and illustration. Her work is celebrated for its innovative use of color and form, embodying the essence of the Art Nouveau movement. In recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest in her art, with exhibitions and publications dedicated to exploring her life and oeuvre, ensuring that Ethel Reed's contributions to the art world are not forgotten. (hs)