Vijf friezen met eieren, zeedieren, groente en wild 1866

Michel Liénard made this print called "Five Friezes with eggs, sea creatures, vegetables and wild animals". Liénard was a 19th-century designer known for his ornamental prints which were part of a larger cultural and artistic movement that saw the rise of industrial design and the need for pattern books to supply the decorative arts. His designs were often used by artisans and manufacturers to embellish furniture, ceramics and architecture. The friezes presented here offer a glimpse into the values and aesthetic sensibilities of the period. The representation of eggs, seafood and wild animals can be linked to the tradition of still life which reflects an appreciation for natural and everyday objects. In these ornamental friezes the elements are not merely represented, but also transformed into decorative patterns. By blending the natural with the abstract Liénard aimed to inspire creativity, inviting artisans to reinterpret and incorporate these designs into their own creations. These drawings are more than mere decoration, they are cultural artifacts which reflect the way society saw and interacted with its environment.