Egyptian No. 7 1856

Owen Jones produced "Egyptian No. 7" as a lithograph during the 19th century. These vibrant patterns draw from ancient Egyptian motifs, showcasing the era's fascination with Egyptology and its influence on Western design. Jones was a key figure in the Arts and Crafts movement, advocating for the integration of art and design into everyday life. His "Grammar of Ornament," published in 1856, became a hugely influential sourcebook, promoting historical styles for contemporary application. Within a rapidly industrializing society, designers looked to past civilizations for inspiration, selectively reinterpreting and adapting motifs. Jones’s focus on Egyptian designs reflects the increasing archaeological discoveries and scholarly studies that shaped Victorian aesthetic tastes. To understand Jones's work, a look into 19th-century design reform movements and archaeological publications provides context. His lithograph reveals the politics of cultural appropriation and the dialogue between past and present in shaping visual culture.