Study for a Border Design 1890 - 1897

Charles Sprague Pearce’s “Study for a Border Design” is a delicate pencil sketch depicting a repeating pattern of stylized leaves and berries, likely intended for a decorative border. Created between 1890 and 1897, the design exemplifies the graceful, organic motifs characteristic of Art Nouveau, a style prevalent in Europe at the turn of the 20th century. The simple yet elegant composition, rendered in subtle shades of gray, hints at the potential for intricate embellishment, suggesting the artist’s exploration of design possibilities for architectural or interior applications.