Aigles et chêne, papier peint. Antilopes, tigres, cactus et palmiers, bordure. (1897)

Discover the exuberant natural world envisioned by Maurice Pillard Verneuil in his stunning Art Nouveau piece titled "Aigles et chêne, papier peint. Antilopes, tigres, cactus et palmiers, bordure," created in 1897. This piece vividly channels the era's fascination with both nature and stylized design, making it a remarkable example of period artwork designed as wallpaper.The top portion of the artwork showcases majestic eagles, depicted with wings spread wide and enclosed by an intricate backdrop of oak leaves. The color palette here is dominantly shades of orange and green, which emphasizes the vibrancy and life Verneuil associates with nature. The eagles, symmetrical and centrally aligned, emit a sense of order and regality, which is a testament to Verneuil's design prowess.In a striking contrast, the lower border strip features a dynamic scene of wildlife in what appears to be an exotic landscape. Here, the artist integrates antelopes and tigers among lush palm trees and vibrant cacti. This segment is colored in deeper hues of blue and green, punctuated with the fiery orange of the tigers, enhancing the movement and drama encapsulated in this naturalistic depiction.Maurice Pillard Verneuil's creation is a lyrical journey into a stylized natural realm, reflecting the Art Nouveau movement's intention to harmonize artistic design with the forms and patterns of the natural world.