Bespanningsstof, jacquardweefsel met patroon van spitsovalen met wingerdranken, goudgele inslag op beige ketting c. 1920 - 1930

Editor: This is 'Bespanningsstof, jacquardweefsel met patroon van spitsovalen met wingerdranken, goudgele inslag op beige ketting'—or, Upholstery Fabric, jacquard weave with pattern of pointed ovals with wine plants, gold-yellow weft on beige warp. It's textile art by Theo Nieuwenhuis, created sometime between 1920 and 1930. It’s so muted in colour, almost calming in its gentle, repetitive design. What do you see in it? Curator: What I see… is a silent film playing in fabric form. I see the ghosts of Art Nouveau trying to modernize itself after the first world war. The muted tones are fascinating aren’t they? A real step away from the brighter colours often associated with Art Nouveau. Do you see the stylized grape vines and ovals? Editor: I do. The vines are so subtle, almost geometric rather than organic. It’s quite different from the swirling, overtly naturalistic Art Nouveau I'm used to. Curator: Exactly! It’s Nieuwenhuis attempting to hold onto the essence of the style – the appreciation of craftsmanship and natural forms – while simplifying it, stripping it down. It reflects a broader cultural shift after the war, a move away from opulence and towards practicality. Editor: So, it's a kind of… Art Nouveau hangover? Curator: Perhaps! Or maybe Art Nouveau trying to grow up and face a changed world. Look closely—imagine this covering furniture in a stylish home. What feelings do you get? Editor: I see it. A comfortable elegance, something refined but understated. It’s not shouting for attention, but has a quiet beauty. I never considered textiles in this way before – as a reflection of cultural anxieties. Curator: Textiles often speak volumes if you listen closely enough. A beauty sleeps in its delicate texture that connects culture, place, and time.