Cutout 1867 - 1917

This gilded cutout is attributed to Lockwood de Forest and is currently housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The initial impression is one of intricate detail, where the artist has meticulously created an ornate design from what appears to be a single sheet of gilded material. The composition is dominated by symmetrical floral patterns, featuring a central, stylized motif reminiscent of traditional Indian decorative arts. De Forest’s aesthetic choices are apparent in the rhythmic arrangement of perforations which create both form and texture. The interplay between light and shadow, facilitated by the cut-out spaces, introduces an element of dynamism. It challenges our perception of surface and depth and flirts with the semiotic interplay between the solid and the void. In closing, the work’s gilded surface and delicate structure embody a fusion of Eastern and Western artistic traditions. It invites us to consider the dialogues between cultures.