Baan z.g. Engels rood geciseleerd, gesneden en ongesneden zijdefluweel 1860 - 1880

This artwork is a 149 cm high and 55 cm wide ‘Baan z.g. Engels rood geciseleerd, gesneden en ongesneden zijdefluweel’ made by Tresca of Touchot & Compagnie. The textile shows an intricate pattern, dominated by a rich red hue, achieved through a mix of cut and uncut silk velvet. The vertical composition features stylized floral and foliate motifs, arranged symmetrically along a central axis. The repetition of these forms creates a dense, almost hypnotic visual rhythm. The texture of the velvet adds depth, with the varying pile heights catching the light to enhance the contrast between the pattern and the background. Such symmetrical designs and material richness were fashionable during the 19th century, reflecting a desire for luxury and craftsmanship. Yet, the dense patterning also flattens the image, challenging traditional notions of depth and perspective. The artwork invites us to consider the interplay between surface and depth, decoration and structure. It offers not just visual pleasure, but also a reflection on how design can both celebrate and subvert conventional aesthetic values.