Ontwerp voor een tapijt c. 1854 - 1864

This is a design for a carpet of unknown date, made by an anonymous artist. The drawing is striking with its rich use of reds, blues, greens and yellows arranged in an intricate geometric pattern. The composition is dominated by a deep red field, punctuated by stylized floral and geometric forms, bordered with bands of repeating motifs. In analyzing this design, one can see how the structure of repeating patterns invites a reading through structuralist lenses. The semiotic system at play here relies on the repetition and variation of motifs. Each element acts as a signifier, its meaning derived from its position within the larger framework of the design. The carpet challenges fixed meanings by refusing a central focal point, instead offering a decentralized visual experience. The work reflects broader artistic concerns of its time by engaging with new ways of thinking about space and perception. The geometric forms destabilize established meanings, presenting a visual field ripe for interpretation.