Architecture & Design · 19th century
€ 220
One of a kind: this is the sheet in the photographs. Ships from Langweer, the Netherlands.
Very good. Some age-related toning to the outer margins. The image area remains vibrant and clean, with no tears or repairs.
Middle Ages Decorative Ornament – Rich Romanesque Borders & Motifs, c.1869
Plate XL from L'Ornement Polychrome features a vibrant compilation of Romanesque-style decorative elements from the Middle Ages, showcasing the opulence and diversity of ecclesiastical and architectural ornamentation from the 11th to 13th centuries.
Set against a deep red background, this richly colored chromolithograph brings together a stunning array of medieval motifs:
– Stylized birds, floral scrolls, and dragons rendered in bold golds, reds, and greens
– Interlacing geometric and foliate borders reminiscent of manuscript illumination and church frescoes
– Capital letter designs, roundels, and architectural panels adorned with knotwork and vegetal flourishes
– Grotesques, mythical creatures, and detailed columns recalling medieval cathedral ornament
This plate is a celebration of medieval craftsmanship, reflecting the influence of Byzantine, Insular, and Carolingian traditions. The use of symmetry, repetition, and symbolic imagery speaks to the religious and decorative purpose of such motifs in sacred spaces.
Lithographed by Daumont and published by Firmin-Didot in Paris, the print exemplifies the 19th-century revivalist interest in historical ornament, spearheaded by artists like Albert Racinet who sought to preserve and promote centuries of decorative art.
Ideal for collectors, designers, or enthusiasts of medieval art, this piece also serves as a valuable reference for pattern and interior inspiration, with timeless appeal.
Condition: Very good. Some age-related toning to the outer margins. The image area remains vibrant and clean, with no tears or repairs.
Framing tips: A gold or dark wood frame with a wide cream mat will beautifully emphasize the jewel tones of the ornament while giving the print a classical, gallery-ready finish.
Technique: Chromolithograph
Maker: Firmin-Didot, Paris, after Albert Racinet, c.1869
