Tafellaken van linnendamast met kersen 1888 - 1945

This large linen damask tablecloth with cherries was created by Chris Lebeau, though the date of its making is unknown. I can only imagine the weaving and labour involved in the making of something so huge, and the satisfaction of creating a repeat pattern of cherries across such a large surface! Thinking about Lebeau, I wonder if he had to remind himself to stay focused, or whether the rhythm and repetitive motion involved in the process allowed his mind to wander. The cherries emerge gently from the linen, their presence felt but not seen—like an echo. It reminds me of Agnes Martin’s grids, where subtle variations in the lines create a sense of movement and depth. Lebeau’s tablecloth, with its delicate pattern and tactile surface, invites us to slow down and appreciate the beauty of the everyday. It speaks to the rich history of artists borrowing and riffing off one another through time.