Description

Curatorial Narrative Adeline More’s “Naturalistic Designs adapted to Ceramic shapes” (1914) stands at the cusp of Art Nouveau’s sinuous curves and Modernist’s asceticism. Fine brushwork gives way to subtle, almost imperceptible gradations of tone as the artist coaxes forth an architecture both fantastical and grounded in reality. A predominantly pastel palette is tempered by judicious gold accents and a crisp white background, imbuing the work with an air of rarefied luxury. In its enlarged state (61×44 inches), this ceramic design assumes a commanding presence that would be equally at home in a turn-of-the-century Parisian apartment or a contemporary luxury residence. The soft pastel hues exert a calming influence over the space, their gentle lapping against the surrounding walls creating an atmosphere of serene contemplation. A deliberate spatial rhythm is established by the interplay between curved and rectilinear forms, drawin