Border (USA)

Most wallpapers designed with a water theme were intended for use in bathrooms. Given the early date of this Art nouveau border with its pond and water lilies it was possibly intended to partner with a similarly-styled wallpaper in a bedroom. Most wallpapers for the bathroom designed before 1910 appeared more hygienic due to sanitary concerns and usually had a varnished surface to resist water and facilitate washing. This border imagery creates a calm and peaceful scene with trees and flowers surrounding a tranquil pond. The selection of colors including lavender, blue, and green enhance this ambience. There is also what appears to be a road, with a circular perfection, or possibly a manicured sandy shore. The lavender color used in the sky portion has been infused with mica powder which adds a little sparkle or metallic effect.

It is interesting to note the differing scale of the plant motifs, with the blue flower in the foreground being quite large, with the water lilies slightly smaller, then the two tiny trees standing next to the pond. One tree is printed in green, the other lavender, with each outlined in a contrasting color. Each of the elements are rendered very flat offering little to no perspective. The blue flowers in the front are printed in three colors, four in you include the metallic gold outline, as are the white lilies, while the flowers behind the pond are printed as mere silhouettes, and a much smaller scale. The differing scale and amount of detail in the motifs helps create a sense of depth. This also helps break the monotony given the short repeat of the design. Whether used in a washroom or bedroom this border would help create that moment of respite always appreciated on a busy day.

Border (USA); machine-printed paper; L x W: 75 x 47 cm (29 1/2 x 18 1/2 in.); Gift of Carolle Thibaut-Pomerantz; 2010-31-334