Chardon 1 1896

Maurice Pillard Verneuil created this print called “Chardon 1,” or “Thistle 1,” during the Art Nouveau movement. The piece captures the movement’s organic and curvilinear forms, drawing inspiration from the natural world and incorporating it into decorative patterns. Made in France, this print reflects the Art Nouveau movement's aspiration to democratize art by making aesthetically pleasing designs accessible for everyday objects. The thistle motif, rendered in muted colors, is repeated to create a wallpaper pattern. The column fragment on the left acknowledges the institutional history of ornament as a feature of architecture, while the pattern suggests its potential as a feature of interior design. The rigid, vertical lines of the column contrast with the organic forms of the thistle. By studying Verneuil’s influences and the broader context of French design during the early 20th century through archival sources, we can better understand the social and cultural aspirations embedded in this elegant design.