Ontwerp voor een bord met een gele en een blauwe, omlaagzwemmende vis c. 1875 - 1890

Gustave Fraipont made this design for a plate with watercolor and graphite. He was a French artist who lived from 1849 to 1923. This work provides a glimpse into the applied arts and design culture of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, reflecting the era's fascination with naturalistic imagery and its integration into everyday objects. The design features two fish, one yellow and one blue, swimming downwards amongst some foliage. The circular format suggests its intended use for a decorative plate. Made in France, the design reflects the aesthetic values of the time, when the decorative arts were undergoing significant changes, influenced by movements such as Art Nouveau, with its emphasis on organic forms. This particular piece is relatively subdued, it does not reach the heights of elaborate ornamentation typical of that style. To fully understand Fraipont's design, it is essential to consider not just the visual elements, but the broader cultural context. Through careful historical research, including examining design catalogs and period publications, we can gain insight into the artist's work. The meaning of art is contingent on its social and institutional context.