Cigales et anémones, bordure de napperon. Aras et platane, fonte. (1897)

Maurice Pillard Verneuil's exquisite 1897 work, "Cigales et anémones, bordure de napperon. Aras et platane, fonte," exemplifies the profound elegance and attention to detail characteristic of the Art Nouveau movement. This visually captivating piece features two distinct sections that harmoniously blend natural elements with geometric designs.At the top of the piece, the viewer is greeted with a frieze featuring cicadas and anemone flowers, presented in a highly stylized form. This section is a narrow band that elegantly frames the more complex scene below, serving as a delicate intermediary between the artwork's upper and lower halves. The inclusion of ornamental cicadas may symbolize rebirth and immortality, motifs often explored in Art Nouveau.The main part of the design showcases a lush, symmetrical arrangement centered around exotic parrots framed by an abundance of sycamore leaves. The parrots, with their wings beautifully outstretched, mirror each other as they perch on the twisting branches of the tree, which gracefully intertwine to form a serene, balanced composition. This lower section provides a rich visual texture, combining the organic shapes of flora with the dynamic representation of fauna.Through this artwork, Verneuil not only captures the viewer’s attention with striking natural imagery but also proves his mastery in integrating these elements within the constraints of decorative borders, commonly used in napkin designs during that period. The sophisticated use of monochromatic tones further accentuates the intricate details of each element, making "Cigales et anémones, bordure de napperon.