Book: plates from Insectes
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Written by Emile-Alain Séguy (1889–1985)
France, ca. 1927
Pochoir print
Smithsonian Institution Libraries, Cooper-Hewitt, National Design
Museum, f NK1555 .S47
Photo: Matt Flynn -
These exotic specimens are from the book Insectes by French etymologist Emile-Alain Séguy, who produced a series of portfolios culled from scientific publications to inspire and promote new forms, colors, and patterns. Pochoir, a type of stencil-printing technique popular in France in the early twentieth century, was employed, resulting in prints that look hand-colored. If one looks at the plates long enough, one loses the sense of isolated insects and sees the illustration as one unique shape.
Browse the collection: creating texture,
entwining,
inspiring arrow,
morphing nature,
quizzical delicacy,
solid dreams,
whimsy kaleidoscope
