Fragments of a Lower Border 1687 - 1691

Editor: Here we have "Fragments of a Lower Border" created between 1687 and 1691. It’s attributed to Jean Lemoine de Lorrain and crafted from wood and textile. It gives off a distinctly baroque, regal vibe. What symbols stand out to you in this work? Curator: The tapestry immediately pulls the eye—it's essentially a language of interwoven narratives. Consider the putti; these aren’t just decorative cherubs, they carry cultural memory from antiquity, evoking ideas of innocence, love, and divine connection. What kind of stories do you imagine they represent here? Editor: I guess something about wealth and leisure, they look pretty relaxed to me. Curator: Indeed! And the overall composition reflects a deep interest in balance, harmony, and an idealized view of nature and the human form. Think about the choice to use textiles to adorn this piece of functional furniture - do you consider the significance of touch? Editor: That’s a good question! The textile feels richer, warmer somehow, and probably suggests a high social status? Curator: Exactly! It speaks volumes about the patron’s desire to be associated with these powerful symbolic associations. So, how do you feel knowing the choice to sit has the power to elevate? Editor: I hadn’t thought of it that way, very thought-provoking, thank you! Curator: My pleasure. Art gives us all a space to reflect on cultural memory.