Sheet with overall splotchy pattern 1800 - 1900

This anonymous marbled paper, created sometime between 1800 and 1900, is a prime example of the marbling technique. The artist uses a blend of red, brown, and green colors to create a swirling, organic pattern reminiscent of natural formations like rocks or water. Marbling, a decorative technique that imitates the veining of marble, was a popular method for embellishing paper during the 18th and 19th centuries and is still used today. It is held in the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, showcasing the decorative artistry of an unknown creator.