Book cover with purple, green, red, and yellow pattern 1700 - 1800

This 18th-century marbled paper, an anonymous creation from the Metropolitan Museum of Art, demonstrates a vibrant palette of purples, greens, reds, and yellows. The swirling and marbled patterns are likely created through a process of applying paint to water and allowing the colors to blend and diffuse naturally. These patterns likely originated from a book cover, showcasing the intricate artistry often employed for decorative purposes in the 18th century.