1889 Decorative Brickwork Patterns – Gallerie des Machines, Chabat c.1900
This antique architectural print presents a series of decorative brick and tile floor patterns from the Gallerie des Machines, one of the architectural highlights of the Exposition Universelle of 1889 in Paris. The design was overseen by the French architect Mr. F. Dufert and published in La Brique et la Terre Cuite by Pierre Chabat around 1900.
The plate features three horizontal bands of intricate geometric tile compositions, meticulously arranged in warm tones of red, cream, and ochre. These ornamental designs were intended for grand public halls and exhibition spaces, demonstrating how utilitarian flooring could be elevated into a refined visual statement using terracotta and colored ceramic materials.
This type of chromolithographic print not only illustrates the decorative possibilities of fired clay but also reflects the late 19th-century emphasis on industrial art and functional beauty. The Gallerie des Machines itself was a marvel of engineering and design, and this plate captures a lesser-known but equally sophisticated element of that landmark building’s interior architecture.
Collectors of architectural prints, Art Nouveau-era design, and historical decorative arts will find this piece both visually engaging and historically rich. It is also ideal for display in interiors with a vintage, Parisian, or industrial edge.
Condition: Very good condition overall. Light age toning with tiny spots near the margin; image and color are clean and well-preserved. Strong paper. Please examine closely for details.
Framing tips: A thin black or brass frame with an off-white mat would suit the print, allowing the warm tones and geometric designs to shine. A deeper mat helps center attention on the decorative bands.
Overall size: 45 x 32 cm. Image size: 24 x 24.5 cm.
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