Original drawing for 'The Grammar of Ornament'

1856

From the collection of Victoria and Albert Museum

Impressionism Realism Early 19th Century

Dominant colour

Original drawing for 'The Grammar of Ornament' is a 1856 by Owen Jones, a Impressionism work, held at Victoria and Albert Museum.

Who painted this?: Owen Jones
When & what style?: 1856 · Impressionism
Where can I see it?: Victoria and Albert Museum

About this work

This drawing is packed with swirling gold patterns on a white background. There are sharp points, circles, and repeating shapes in red, blue, and black. The lines are precise, and the colors pop against each other. It looks like a mix of tiny flowers, stars, and geometric designs all jumbled together. The big star-like shape in the center is the main focus, surrounded by smaller pieces that could be cut out and used elsewhere. This style was meant to help people learn how to decorate things. Check out the Victoria and Albert Museum to see more original drawings like this.

The story of this work

Overview

The drawing is one of 96 original works created for *The Grammar of Ornament* by Owen Jones in 1856, housed in the museum alongside the title page and four photographs.

Read the full account in the museum source.