Architecture & Design · 19th century
€ 220
One of a kind: this is the sheet in the photographs. Ships from Langweer, the Netherlands.
Very light toning near margins. Print surface clean and vibrant, with no foxing or damage.
Medieval Floor Tile Patterns – Middle Ages Decorative Motifs, Plate XLV, c.1869
This richly detailed chromolithograph from L'Ornement Polychrome (Plate XLV) presents a remarkable assortment of medieval decorative floor tile designs, capturing the geometric rigor and ornamental elegance of Middle Age interiors. Rendered with precision and vivid coloration, the designs reflect the stylistic diversity of Gothic and Romanesque periods, with an emphasis on symmetry, heraldic influence, and symbolic pattern work.
The composition includes:
– Circular and polygonal medallions with interlacing foliage, quatrefoils, and floral arabesques
– Central grey-toned motifs in delicate grisaille, likely evoking carved stone inlays or embossed tile
– Vividly bordered sections featuring red, blue, yellow, and green accents, highlighted by trefoil and rosette patterns
– Latticework and chevron arrangements that recall mosaic flooring in cathedrals and cloisters
– Insets with birds, vines, and foliate scrolls that convey a blend of sacred symbolism and natural form
Lithographed by Dufour et Leunay and printed by Firmin-Didot in Paris, the plate exemplifies 19th-century interest in historical revival design, offering inspiration for interior decorators, ceramicists, and scholars alike. It is part of a broader movement that sought to catalog and preserve ornamental traditions through high-quality chromolithographic reproduction.
A timeless reference for pattern collectors, design historians, and architects working in restoration or reinterpretation of Gothic interiors.
Condition: Excellent. Very light toning near margins. Print surface clean and vibrant, with no foxing or damage.
Framing tips: A simple oak or walnut frame with a warm cream or pale grey mat will allow the decorative intricacy to shine. For more drama, a black frame with a double mat (black and gold or soft blue) can mimic a stained glass or tiled border.
Technique: Chromolithograph
Maker: Firmin-Didot, Paris, after Albert Racinet, c.1869
