Design for a Box Lid 1745 - 1755

This delicate design for a box lid was rendered by an anonymous artist, likely as a guide for an artisan to follow. Note the carefully chosen materials: paper, ink, and watercolor. These humble means were commonly used in craft and design settings. Look closely, and you can see the precise linework and the washes of color, which give the floral pattern depth. It’s not clear whether the artist was a trained painter, or whether this work comes out of a more workaday tradition of pattern-making. The design is charming, but what makes it especially interesting is its intended use. As a guide for a box lid, this work would have facilitated the production of a functional and decorative object. The level of detail suggests a desire to elevate everyday items through careful artistry, blurring the boundaries between art and craft. Understanding the intention of the design, and its application to craft production, gives the artwork additional meaning.