Carpocoris, bordure. Aigles et pigeons, papier peint. Coquillages et algues, bordure. 1897

Editor: Here we have Maurice Pillard Verneuil’s wallpaper design from 1897, titled "Carpocoris, bordure. Aigles et pigeons, papier peint. Coquillages et algues, bordure," executed as a drawing and print. What strikes me is the interesting contrast of soaring eagles and peaceful doves set against a cloudy backdrop. What do you see in this piece from your perspective? Curator: From a historical standpoint, it’s fascinating to see how Verneuil, working during the Art Nouveau period, uses natural motifs not just for decorative appeal, but as a commentary on the relationship between power and peace. The eagles, traditionally symbols of imperial authority, are juxtaposed with doves, representing peace. Does this intended association enhance its public role and challenge conventional politics of the imagery displayed within domestic spaces? Editor: That's interesting. So you’re saying that, for its original audience, it might have carried a certain political weight? Curator: Precisely. Wallpaper wasn't just about beautifying a space; it was about communicating values. The repetitive nature of the design, combined with the inherent tension between the eagles and doves, raises questions about the ever-present negotiation between conflict and harmony within society. And the addition of marine life border—do you think those elements contributed to or detracted from the intended sociopolitical discourse of the work? Editor: That makes me see the wallpaper in a new light. The natural themes, while decorative, might reflect broader societal ideals and tensions during that era. It is an element that certainly enhances that conversation of design. Curator: Indeed. It reminds us that even seemingly innocuous design elements can reflect significant socio-political undercurrents. I also found a perspective I had not originally considered in the political context. Editor: Agreed. Examining this wallpaper has made me rethink how art can subtly convey powerful messages about society and politics, even in unexpected forms.