BK-1971-153

About this artwork

height 58.5 cm x width 61 cm

Art Historical Context

This damask textile, created by Dutch designer Chris Lebeau between 1911 and 1915, showcases the refined artistry of early twentieth-century European textile design. Measuring just 58.5 by 61 centimeters, the piece likely served as a sample or decorative panel. Lebeau, known for his versatile work across graphics, ceramics, and fabrics, brought a modern sensibility to traditional weaving techniques during a period when Art Nouveau was giving way to more geometric aesthetics. Damask weaving, with its intricate reversible patterns created through contrasting warp and weft threads, has long been prized for its luxurious sheen and durability. In Lebeau’s hands, this medium allowed for subtle, elegant motifs that balanced ornament with restraint—qualities well suited to the refined interiors of the era. Such textiles were often commissioned for table linens, upholstery, or ceremonial use, reflecting both technical mastery and cultural values of craftsmanship. Today, this compact yet sophisticated work offers visitors a glimpse into the intersection of industrial production and artistic innovation at the dawn of modernism.

About the Artist

Chris Lebeau · 1878–1946

Joris Johannes Christiaan "Chris" Lebeau (1878–1945) was a Dutch artist and pivotal figure in Art Nouveau and Art Deco movements who tragically died at Dachau concentration camp. Born in Amsterdam on May 26, 1878, Lebeau became renowned for his extraordinary versatility, mastering painting, printmaking, sculpture, book arts, textile design, glasswork, theater design, and most notably, batik art. H...