Renaissance Panel Ornament – Arabesque & Grotesque Motifs, Plate LXVIII, 1869

Ethnography · 19th century

Renaissance Panel Ornament – Arabesque & Grotesque Motifs, Plate LXVIII, 1869

€ 240

Original antique · The actual sheet photographed · Certificate of authenticity on request · Sold unframed · Worldwide shipping from € 15 (rates)

Date: 1869
Mapmaker / artist: Lemoine (lith.), Firmin-Didot Frères, Paris, c.1869
Technique: Chromolithograph
Sheet size: 40.4 × 28.8 cm (15.9 × 11.3 in)
Condition: Excellent
Reference: BG-13766-68

What the condition grades mean

Excellent: Bright and clean, with no faults worth mentioning.
Very good: Only light signs of age, such as faint toning.
Good: Normal signs of age for a sheet of this period: toning, some foxing, small marks or neat old repairs.
Fair: Clear faults such as staining, tears or repairs, priced to match.

Every fault we see is written in the condition note, and the whole sheet is shown uncropped in the photos.

Condition

Condition with strong color retention. Slight age toning confined to margins; image area remains clean and crisp.

About this sheet

Renaissance Panel Ornament – Intricate Arabesque and Grotesque Motifs, Plate LXVIII

This richly detailed chromolithograph, Plate LXVIII from L'Ornement Polychrome, showcases a series of exquisite Renaissance wall or panel decorations that blend Islamic-inspired arabesques with classical grotesque elements. Lithographed by Lemoine and printed by Firmin-Didot Frères in Paris, the designs evoke the opulent aesthetic traditions found in Renaissance palaces and chapels, particularly those influenced by Moorish and Italian styles.

The composition is divided into several sections:

– The top right features an ornate black and gold panel adorned with vegetal scrollwork and an oval medallion containing a sepia-toned pastoral scene of a nude figure beside a fountain, framed by classical architecture and trees.

– The central vertical column is filled with repeating ornamental rosettes, floral motifs, and symmetrical patterns in gold, red, and ochre tones.

– On the left, a blue and gold panel presents stylized Islamic arabesques framed in red and brown, forming an elegant tiling design suggestive of textiles or domed ceilings.

– The two bottom registers are particularly striking, composed of horizontal panels featuring star motifs, stylized flowers, and scrolling foliage. These designs would have been ideal for wooden paneling, coffered ceilings, or even leather wall coverings (cuir de Cordoue).

The decorative vocabulary reflects the Renaissance fascination with symmetry, luxurious ornamentation, and the revival of antique and Near Eastern aesthetics. The meticulous detail and vibrant chromatic contrast of black, gold, red, and blue make this an excellent reference for interior designers, restorers, and collectors of architectural prints.

Framing tips: A dark wood or black lacquered frame will complement the deep palette. A narrow gold inner edge or filet can emphasize the richness of the design. Ideal for display in study, library, or gallery spaces focused on historic interiors.