Vegetal patterns 1829 - 1830

These "Vegetal Patterns," made by Friedrich Maximilian Hessemer, use watercolor and pencil to depict stylized botanical motifs. The flat application of color and crisp outlines suggest a design intended for reproduction, perhaps as wallpaper or textiles. The medium itself, watercolor on paper, lends a sense of lightness and delicacy to the designs. This was a common way for designers to present concepts to manufacturers. The intense hues and bold geometric organization are reminiscent of ancient Egyptian art, which was a popular source of inspiration in the 19th century. Consider the social context: designers like Hessemer were essential to the burgeoning industrial complex, creating patterns that would be realized on a mass scale. The apparent simplicity of these designs belies the complex relationship between handcraft, industrial production, and the commodification of art in the modern era. We can view this work as a document that reveals the links between art, labor, and the marketplace.