The Orinoka Mills
Gazelle en Fer
1924-1934
Scroll
The Orinoka Mills
Gazelle en Fer
1924-1934
Physical Qualities
Cotton, synthetic yarns, 29 1/2 x 48 1/4 in. (74.9 x 122.6 cm.)
Credit Line
Purchased as the gift of Morton C. Katzenberg, Baltimore, in Loving Memory of his Wife, Dena S. Katzenberg
Object Number
2002.215
A rectangular panel of fabric woven in a complex weave that involves damask-like manipulation of the warp and weft face of the weave with intervening areas of plain-woven double weave. The pattern is produced by the weave stucture and the use of contrasting yarns of undyed cotton, cream or undyed synthetic, and dark blue cotton. The motifs include stylized gazelles surrounded by scrolling vines from which spring a variety of flowers. The name 'Gazelle en Fer' refers to the fact that the gazelle and vine pattern is a reference to an iron screen (in this case one by Edgar Brandt) rather than a scene from nature. The stylization is of the 'moderne' style, later known as Art Deco. The structure creates a reversible fabric with the gazelles appearing in blue on a beige ground on one side and in beige on a blue ground on the reverse. The vertical repeat is approximately 20-1/2'; the horizontal repeat is approximately 12.' There are approximately four horizontal repeats in this panel, which includes both selvages. There are approximately one and one-half vertical repeats in this panel, which is cut and left unfinished at both top and bottom. The warps are undyed cotton threads (2S plied 'Z') and dull in appearance. One set of wefts consists of untwisted synthetic threads, which have a very shiny appearance, and another set of wefts consists of thick cotton chenille yarns dyed a rich blue. Both selvages are intact; top and bottom edges are cut, with fraying.
Baltimore Museum of Art by purchase, 2002; Giles Kotcher, Somerville, MA.
Rotation in Arcade, 1st floor, Baltimore Museum of Art from 5-8-2007 to 9-24-2007. Removed before full rotation 6 month period.
Rotation in Dec. Arts Hallway 10-26- 2009 to ...[flag for late April ]
Rotation in Dec. Arts Hallway 10-26- 2009 to ...[flag for late April ]
Inscribed: None
Manufacturer
The Orinoka Mills
1984–1984
American, purchased by Lantal Textiles 1985
Meet The Orinoka Mills