Early America II

Histoires De Carres > Automne-Hiver 2009

This carre pays homage to the youthful America of George Washington, the first president of the United States, from 1789 to 1797, and is inspired by a popular American art form, that of paper cutting or "canivet". Each sheet (often of marbled paper) is folded several times, then painstakingly ornamented with the help of pointed scissors or a "canivet" (small penknife). The sheet, when unfolded, reveals patterns of a naive style whose plain and innocent iconography reflects the homely serenity and the virtuous education of its creators. this delicate and meticulous art formed part of the education of all young girls from good homes.