Ontwerp voor een tapijt c. 1854 - 1864

This is an anonymous design for a carpet. The intense reds and pinks evoke a sense of opulence, suggesting the carpet was intended for an upper-class home. What does it mean to lay such a decorative object on the floor, destined to be walked upon? Historically, carpets have been markers of wealth and power. The complex patterns and vibrant colors indicate a desire to impress and signify status, echoing the kind of art that would appear in a palace or manor. The design features classical floral motifs, a style that reached back to antiquity, connecting the owner to a lineage of taste and refinement. But it’s also a surface, something to be used. So think about the tension between art as a symbol of social identity and as a functional object. What kind of conversations might have taken place on this carpet? What secrets might it have absorbed?