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Unused Wallpaper Sample

Collection Type

  • Wallpaper

Date

1930-1950

GUSN

GUSN-103557

Description

Unused sample attached to a cardboard mat. Geometric pattern of various drawings by famous artists including a head of young woman by Albrecht Durer, a group of young men by Ghirlandaio, a perspective by Jacopo Bellini, the Leda with Swan by Filipo Lippi, and the Horse and Rider by Leonardo da Vinci. Printed in black and white on a pink ground.

Details

Descriptive Terms

wallpapers
WALLPAPER

Label

A groundbreaking textile and rug designer of the twentieth century, Marion Dorn (Kauffer) (1896-1964) also worked in graphic design and illustration, and designed wallpapers, like this mid-century trompe l’oeil paper Dorn designed for manufacturer Katzenbach and Warren.
A California native, Dorn spent nearly two decades (1923-1940) working in England with her partner Edward McKnight Kauffer before returning to New York with the onset of World War II.
Celebrated for her use of bold geometrics and nature-inspired motifs, Dorn also explored thematic use of tradition and art history. Here, Dorn incorporates the work of famous artists including a head of young woman by Albrecht Durer, a group of young men by Ghirlandaio, a perspective by Jacopo Bellini, the Leda with Swan by Filipo Lippi, and the Horse and Rider by Leonardo da Vinci.

Inscription

Selvedge: "JOIN [arrow up] MASTER DRAWINGS designed by MARION V. DORN TOP [arrow right]
Reverse: "SLATER MEMORIAL MUSEUM / NORWICH, CONN. / 270.14" (Printed, stamp and written)

Pattern

Master Drawings

Additional Identification Number

3285

Maker

Dorn, Marion V. (Designer)
Katzenbach and Warren (Manufacturer)

Location of Origin

New York, NY (origin); Norwich, CT (use)

Dimensions

49 1/4 in x 28 3/4 in (HxW) (inches)

Credit Line

Gift of the Slater Memorial Museum

Accession Number

2008.6.79

Reference Notes

This pattern is illustrated in Katzenbach, Lois and William. "The Practical Book of American Wallpaper," p. 51.

Related Items

Title 200-.6.99 Accession Number 2008.6.1

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