Sheet with overall floral pattern on a dark background 1775 - 1875

This anonymous, hand-painted floral design on paper is a testament to the popularity of botanical motifs in 18th and 19th century decorative arts. The densely packed, repeating pattern of roses in shades of pink, red, orange, and blue, set against a dark background, would have been used for inspiration in textile design. This particular example, measuring 14 5/16 × 17 5/8 in. (36.3 × 44.8 cm), is currently on display at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York.