Ontwerp voor een tapijt c. 1854 - 1864

Editor: This is a design for a carpet, created sometime between 1854 and 1864. The anonymous artist clearly put a lot of effort into creating an intricate composition of repetitive geometric and floral motifs. How would you describe the elements that make up this overall structure? Curator: Indeed. The very nature of this work invites structuralist reading. One sees immediately a sophisticated layering of patterns. The primary pattern consists of hexagonal shapes, each containing a smaller, distinct floral design. Around each hexagon is a matrix of interlocking geometric forms, mostly composed of repeating small dashes that enhance the primary pattern. What do you notice about the orientation and interaction of these various formal devices? Editor: I see that there’s a clear hierarchy. The hexagons create a defined grid, but then the detailing around them softens that rigid structure and allows the viewer's eyes to move through the artwork. The floral designs in the center seem to almost push outward, like they’re trying to escape the confines of the geometric patterns. Curator: Precisely. One can interpret these smaller forms as dynamic tension. Consider the lines used; there's a stark contrast between the hard lines of the geometric shapes and the more fluid, organic shapes within. Do you see how the color palette reinforces this? The color saturation, the intensity, and even how some of the lines blur... all create an illusion of three-dimensionality. Editor: Now that you mention it, the artist uses a lot of complementary colors which enlivens it more, especially in the bordering. It creates this…vibrating effect, even though the colors are quite earthy and toned down. Curator: Correct. Such effects illustrate how, in formalism, we view color and form as the primary carriers of meaning, setting aside symbolism, historical context, or biographical data, and concentrating on the aesthetic experience. What an enlightening exercise! Editor: Yes, I see the appeal now. I find it all to be even more compelling knowing the artist remained anonymous!