Study for a Border Design 1890 - 1897

Charles Sprague Pearce created this border design using watercolor and graphite, reflecting the aesthetic interests of the late 19th century. Pearce's work gives us an intimate glimpse into the decorative arts favored by the upper classes. During this period, interior design often featured elaborate ornamentation, drawing inspiration from nature and classical motifs. Consider how the intertwined ribbons and foliage, rendered in delicate watercolors, evoke a sense of refined elegance and order. The design emphasizes a specific kind of cultivated beauty and the material aspirations of the Gilded Age. These were objects of beauty, but also markers of social status. As we consider this study, we might reflect on the ways in which art and design have historically been used to create social distinctions. It offers a glimpse into the values and tastes of a bygone era.