Roman No.2 1856

Owen Jones produced "Roman No. 2," as part of his exploration of historical design. Jones, a prominent figure in the 19th-century design reform movement, sought to democratize access to decorative arts. This print reflects the Victorian era's fascination with classical antiquity. It showcases a variety of Roman decorative motifs, each meticulously rendered. These designs, often found in architectural friezes and ornamental borders, blend naturalistic elements like acanthus leaves with stylized geometric patterns. Jones believed that good design could elevate society, and his work was deeply informed by his studies of non-Western cultures. He aimed to revive what he saw as the universal principles of design, advocating for beauty and order in an age of rapid industrialization. Consider how Jones's efforts to catalogue and disseminate historical designs were both an attempt to preserve cultural heritage and to shape contemporary taste. The emotional impact of this work lies in its invitation to see the past as a source of inspiration for the present.