Architecture & Design · 19th century
€ 220
One of a kind: this is the sheet in the photographs. Ships from Langweer, the Netherlands.
Soft toning near the paper edges; image area crisp and unmarred, colors remain deep and bold.
Medieval Tile Designs – Romanesque and Gothic Motifs, Plate XLVI, c.1869
This striking chromolithograph from L'Ornement Polychrome (Plate XLVI) displays a collection of medieval floor tile designs in earthy red, ochre, olive green, and black tones. These designs, emblematic of the Romanesque and early Gothic periods, reflect the austere yet sophisticated visual language of Middle Age ecclesiastical and noble interiors.
The plate presents:
– Centralized circular and diamond-shaped motifs adorned with stylized vines, heraldic beasts, fleur-de-lis, and interlacing foliate forms
– Decorative panels incorporating Latin inscriptions, geometric borders, and symbolic emblems such as the crowned monogram and double-headed eagle
– Balanced repetitions and radial symmetry that were typical of 12th–14th-century pavement designs in abbeys and churches
– Borders and bands with triangulated patterning, scrolls, and latticework, ideal for framing larger floor compositions
The restrained palette—terracotta reds, golden ochres, muted greens, and deep blacks—gives the designs a timeless and architectural gravitas. Lithographed by Wolfart and printed by Firmin-Didot in Paris, this plate exemplifies 19th-century efforts to document and revive medieval decorative arts for academic and applied use.
A valuable reference for collectors of medieval art, restoration architects, and contemporary tile designers seeking historical authenticity and harmony.
Condition: Excellent. Soft toning near the paper edges; image area crisp and unmarred, colors remain deep and bold.
Framing tips: This print pairs beautifully with a walnut or mahogany frame, and benefits from a mat in warm off-white, olive, or sienna tones to echo the tile hues. A simple gold fillet could enhance the regal motifs.
Technique: Chromolithograph
Maker: Firmin-Didot, Paris, after Albert Racinet, c.1869
