Papillons et pavots, veilleuse émaux translucides. Paons, vase émaux cloisonnés. 1897

Here we see a print by Maurice Pillard Verneuil featuring two decorative objects and the title suggests these are butterflies, poppies and peacocks. The composition is neatly divided into sections, each showcasing a different pattern or motif, unified by a palette of yellow, green, and mauve. The hanging lantern on the left is adorned with stylized flowers and insects, appearing almost like an illuminated jewel. The vertical vase features peacocks, their forms elongated and elegantly repeated, contrasting with the geometric patterns in the background. Verneuil, associated with the Art Nouveau movement, employs a visual language deeply influenced by Japanese prints. The flat planes and decorative patterns are a key departure from traditional perspective, flattening the picture plane. This challenges traditional notions of depth. The careful arrangement of motifs and colors here creates a harmonious balance that speaks to the decorative arts' broader aesthetic and philosophical concerns. The design invites us to question fixed meanings and to engage with new ways of thinking about space, perception, power and representation in the decorative arts.