Exquisite patterns and surface ornamentation were an integral part of the aesthetics
of the late Victorian era. In America, these developments were incorporated into the
themes of national expositions and artistic movements, as cottage industries grew and
productivity in the decorative arts flourished. The last three decades of the 19th century
(5)saw a change in sensibility that resulted in new stylistic approaches in American
decorative arts, a departure from the previous era of Rococo and Renaissance Revival
excess. Shapes became more angular, smoother and less flamboyant. The popular
carvings and deep modeling of earlier years disappeared as ornamentation became more
linear and lighter in appearance. Decoration focused on the surface with rich and elegant
(10)patterns adorning furniture, objects of every sort, and architectural and interior
decorations. This artistic reawakening was prompted by the effects of the Industrial
Revolution on contemporary design.
This new attitude, with its focus on ornament and the decorative, was later referred
to as the Aesthetic Movement, but it also encompassed the early Arts and Crafts
(15)Movement as well. The purpose was to bring a refined sensibility and components of
“good taste” to the domestic interior. Art and good taste not only denoted good character,
but also could be used to induce proper moral conduct and actions, thereby contributing to
the betterment of society. This placed a heavy burden on designers/decorators as well as
on women as keepers of the home. Americans drew inspiration from the writing and work
(20)of English artists. This was a period of great eclecticism. Tastes ranged from the Modern
Gothic through the Persian, Greek and Islamic, to the Japanese, and with more than a nod
to Mother Nature. Yet, regardless of the influence, surface pattern reigned supreme.
English reformers dictated that ornament should be derived from nature, and pattern
should be flat and stylized. Forms were accentuated by colored outlines, or often with
(25)touches of gold. The emphasis was on art and on development of a refined sensibility. It
was all a matter of taste.