Free Hand Decoration

c. 1939

Michael Lauretano

Associated Names
Michael Lauretano

Artist, American, 1915 - 2008

This is a painting of a historical wall decoration design. The image features a decorative pattern from Windsor, Connecticut, dated between 1784-1800, identified as "Freehand Wall Decoration" and labeled as Plate 4. The design comprises a repeated motif of stylized floral elements and ribbons in a symmetrical pattern across a muted background. The floral motifs resemble abstract roses and leaves, all illustrated in shades of black and white to create visual contrast. The intersecting diagonal lines form contained spaces filled with these floral forms, giving the decoration a rhythmic and harmonious balance. This is in the style of traditional folk art patterns characterized by simplicity and decorative repetition, typical of the time period indicated.

Media Options

This object’s media is free and in the public domain. Read our full Open Access policy for images.

Artwork overview

  • Medium

    watercolor, gouache, and graphite on paperboard

  • Credit Line

    Index of American Design

  • Dimensions

    overall: 72.4 x 54.1 cm (28 1/2 x 21 5/16 in.)

  • Accession Number

    1943.8.7780


Artwork history & notes

Inscriptions

lower center in black ink: FREEHAND WALL DECORATION / WINDSOR, CONN., 1784-1800 / PLATE 4; lower center in graphite: Freehand Decoration / Windsor, Conn. / 1784-1800

Wikidata ID

Q64614600

You may be interested in

Loading Results