Italian No.1 1856

"Italian No. 1" is a design plate from Owen Jones's influential 1856 work, "Grammar of Ornament." This plate, like the others in the series, exemplifies Jones's interest in patterns and motifs from various cultures. Here, the design features a collection of colorful, intricate patterns with a distinct Italian Renaissance style. The plate showcases an array of decorative elements like floral patterns, grotesque figures, and mythical creatures, demonstrating Jones's meticulous study of historical ornamentation and his belief in the power of pattern to inspire and elevate design. This particular plate, with its emphasis on floral and mythical imagery, exemplifies the decorative exuberance of the Italian Renaissance, a style that would later influence Jones's own designs.