Eight designs for decorative borders 1830 - 1897

Jules-Edmond-Charles Lachaise created these eight designs for decorative borders with ink and watercolor wash on paper. As the twentieth century dawned, design was increasingly seen as a democratic tool. No longer reserved for the elite, it held the promise of enriching everyday life for all. Lachaise, working within this expanded understanding of art's social role, uses repeating motifs of floral and geometric elements to explore an array of cultural references. The borders reference sources that range from classical architectural friezes to the stylized patterns of the Art Deco movement. These meticulously rendered designs embody a hope for art to permeate the quotidian, to uplift and beautify the world beyond the canvas or the pedestal. Lachaise captures a transformative moment when artists and designers embraced their potential to shape not just aesthetics but also the very fabric of daily existence. The emotional and experiential aspect of these designs suggests an optimism of a modern life, available to all.