Tafelblad naar ontwerp van Mathieu Lauweriks c. 1910

This photograph features a design for a tabletop. The neutral palette and geometric shapes create a mesmerizing pattern. I can imagine the artist leaning over the paper, ruler in hand, carefully plotting out the design, making slight adjustments as the image comes into being. How interesting that an anonymous artist was designing furniture. Were they influenced by the art deco movement, or possibly by other artists? How does the image of the design inform our understanding of form and function? The table design reminds me a little of Hilma af Klint, the way she used geometric forms to convey spiritual ideas. In both cases, these images invite us to look beneath the surface, to find meaning in shape and symbol. It’s a beautiful piece of art.