Design for Ornamented Tile 1837 - 1900

This is Carl Faber's Design for Ornamented Tile, made in Stuttgart out of graphite on paper. The material is humble – pencil on paper. But the drawing is a proposition for something far more substantial: a decorative tile. Faber’s design includes floral motifs and geometric patterns. He suggests texture through careful shading, anticipating how these forms might appear when molded or impressed into clay. The design reflects a moment when industrialization allowed for the mass production of decorative elements. Yet, skilled craftsmanship was still needed to create the molds and oversee the manufacturing process. The drawing represents the skilled labor of the designer and the many hands involved in bringing such a tile to life. Thinking about this piece, it's important to consider not only the aesthetic qualities of the design, but also the economic and social contexts in which it was produced. This brings craft and fine arts together, enriching our understanding of this seemingly simple drawing.