Fragment bedrukte trijp met een abstract, repeterend patroon c. 1920

This is a fragment of printed velvet, or 'trijp' in Dutch, with an abstract, repeating pattern, designed by Jaap Gidding. While the exact date remains unknown, Gidding was active during a period of significant change in Dutch design. Looking closely, you'll notice how the bold, stylized motifs interlock, creating a rhythmic visual texture. The design suggests the influence of the Amsterdam School, an early 20th-century Dutch art movement characterized by its expressive forms and use of decorative arts to create total art environments. During the early 20th century, the Netherlands experienced rapid industrialization, leading to social and economic disparities. Artists and designers of the Amsterdam School sought to address these challenges by creating art that was accessible and relevant to everyday life. Gidding, like his contemporaries, believed that design could play a role in shaping a more just and equitable society. To understand the context of this fragment better, we might look to design manifestos, exhibition catalogs, and publications from the period. By exploring these resources, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the social and cultural forces that shaped Gidding's work.