Papierlaternen-Fabrik Riethmüller [maker's catalog] 1875 - 1885

Curator: This print, entitled "Papierlaternen-Fabrik Riethmüller [maker's catalog]," is believed to have been produced sometime between 1875 and 1885. It resides here at The Metropolitan Museum of Art. Editor: It’s… cheerful. The simplified rendering of the sun, its rays neatly divided by color, create a powerful iconographic statement. Curator: Absolutely, and consider that this piece would've been circulated as a catalog. It is advertising Riethmüller's paper lantern factory; part of a broader culture that democratized decorative arts for commercial purposes. Editor: The printing method certainly draws the eye; the bold outlines filled with flat colors remind one of early color printing techniques. This piece really distills the essence of sun imagery into almost pure design. The composition, the geometric harmony... Curator: But don't overlook the function here. This isn't merely a sun for aesthetic appreciation, but an advertisement promising affordable beauty. Its impact stems from its position within the marketplace of desires, speaking volumes about consumerism, advertising, and even the industrial labor behind each manufactured ray. Editor: I see that, yet I still appreciate how elegantly the artist integrated the rays into this kind of symmetrical, decorative composition. The color choice of red, yellow, and light blue is simple but striking and pleasing to the eye. Curator: Right. This simplicity extends into the techniques involved as well as a cultural fascination of the late 19th-century for so-called oriental design; we must reflect on its role in promoting mass consumption and constructing international trade routes for goods. Editor: Ultimately, "Papierlaternen-Fabrik Riethmüller" blends commercial purpose and strong design to be more than a page in the catalog. Curator: A tangible testament to a society transforming through its production, consumerism, and desire for art, accessible at prices for everyday consumption.