This a wallpaper designed for the wall space above a door. Such papers are known as dessus-de-portes (in French) or overdoors. This example depicts a trophy symbolic of the god Bacchus (Dionysus), the god of wine. It includes several pine-cone tipped wands or Thyrsi, and musical instruments. Given its subject matter, it was probably intended for use in a dining room.
Physical description
Dessus-de-porte wallpaper depicting a trophy of Bacchus or Dionysus, the god of wine, with various pine cone tipped wands called Thyrsi, fruit, flowers, and various musical instruments including panpipes and a triangle, all in silver-grey and brown against a dark ground; Colour print from wood blocks, on paper.
Place of Origin
France (possibly, printed)
Date
ca. 1810 (printed)
Artist/maker
Unknown (production)
Materials and Techniques
Colour woodblock print, on paper
Dimensions
Height: 32 in, Width: 43.25 in
Object history note
The trophy, perhaps for use in a dining room, is symbolic of the god Bacchus (Dionysus) the god of wine. It includes several pine-cone tipped wands or Thyrsi, and musical instruments.
Descriptive line
Dessus-de-porte wallpaper depicting a trophy of Bacchus or Dionysus, the god of wine, with various pine cone tipped wands called Thyrsi, fruit, flowers, and various musical instruments including panpipes and a triangle, all in silver-grey and brown against a dark ground; Colour print from wood blocks, on paper; Colour print from wood blocks, on paper; Possibly printed in France; ca. 1810.
Bibliographic References (Citation, Note/Abstract, NAL no)
Oman, Charles C., and Hamilton, Jean. Wallpapers: a history and illustrated catalogue of the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum. London: Sotheby Publications, in association with the Victoria and Albert Museum, 1982.
The full text of the entry is as follows:
'557
Dessus-de-porte with trophy consisting of vase, dish, pan-pipes, thyrses, fruit etc in grey and brown on a brown ground
Possibly French
Circa 1810
Colour print from wood blocks
109.8 x 81.3 cm
E.481-1931'
Materials
Paper
Techniques
Colour woodblock print
Subjects depicted
Fruit; Vase; Musical instruments; Trophies; Pine-cones; Thyrsus
Categories
Prints; Interiors; Wall coverings
Collection code
PDP
