Sagittaire 3 1896

Maurice Pillard Verneuil created ‘Sagittaire 3’ as a pochoir print, demonstrating his interest in patterns during the Art Nouveau movement. Verneuil, like many artists of his time, was deeply influenced by Japonism, a cultural phenomenon that saw Japanese art and design significantly impact Western art. Here, Verneuil uses floral motifs and stylized forms, reflecting a broader cultural interest in nature and exoticism. In this image Verneuil develops alternative narratives to traditional representations by simplifying natural forms into decorative elements, thereby illustrating the Art Nouveau aesthetic. The artist’s goal of creating accessible and democratic art can be felt when looking at this print. Verneuil wanted to integrate art into everyday life, enriching the domestic environment with beauty. This image reflects both a desire for aesthetic innovation and a commitment to democratizing art, making it accessible to a broader audience.