Two Rectangular Ornaments with Strapwork, Foliage and an Eagle 1825 - 1900

John Gregory Crace, a British interior decorator, designed these two rectangular ornaments with strapwork, foliage, and an eagle. Crace was known for his elaborate designs, often commissioned by the British elite, which gives insight into the socio-economic context of the time. His designs frequently appeared in aristocratic homes and public buildings, reflecting the opulence and grandeur associated with the British Empire. The visual vocabulary here is a play on classical motifs, like the eagle, combined with the fashion for intricate, patterned ornamentation. What strikes me most about this piece is how it encapsulates the aesthetic preferences of the Victorian era and the culture of British Imperialism. Crace's artistry wasn't just about decoration; it was about crafting an environment that spoke to power, status, and the cultural values of the time.