Floral pattern with red on a beige background - Samarkand, oriental motifs by Émile-Allain Séguy

Reproduction of plate No. 19 Floral pattern with red on a beige background from Samarkand , a collection of compositions in the oriental style made with stencils by Émile-Allain Séguy in 1920

In this spectacular composition, Séguy deploys a bold central motif evoking a stylized bouquet against a delicate beige background. Scarlet flowers burst forth amid emerald green foliage, while navy blue scrolls create a swirling movement around the whole. Here, the artist demonstrates his ability to reinvent the traditional floral motif into a resolutely modern and dynamic vision. The contrast between the flowing lines of the scrolls and the geometry of the flowers creates a striking, perfectly mastered visual tension. This plate beautifully illustrates the transition from Art Nouveau to Art Deco, combining the organic exuberance of the former with the graphic sophistication of the latter. Its dramatic character makes it a centerpiece capable of elegantly enlivening any space.

Émile-Allain Séguy (1877–1951) was a French artist and designer who influenced the Art Nouveau and Art Deco movements. He is best known for his portfolios of decorative motifs, particularly published in the 1920s, which had a considerable influence on the decorative arts of his time.