WALLPAPER "ZEUS FEEDED BY THE GOAT AMALTHEA", EMPIRE PERIOD

Empire period wallpaper with a mythological subject depicting Zeus being nursed by the goat Amalthea. The image is inspired by Ovid's Fasti, which recounts several mythological tales. Here, we are presented with the story of Zeus, son of Cronus, rescued by his mother Rhea by being placed on Mount Ida and nursed by the goat of a naiad, Amalthea. The young Zeus is shown drinking from the goat's milk, which sits majestically at the center of the image. Around this central scene, five naiads busily assist the goat by feeding it flowers and other plants. The wallpaper, divided into four strips, is mounted on a composite wood panel and framed in a cream-lacquered wood frame. This Empire wallpaper is a fine example of the popularity of this technique in the 19th century. Indeed, wallpaper, being less expensive than painted wood paneling, could more easily be incorporated into the interiors of the wealthy bourgeoisie.

The making of wallpaper

First, a sketch is created either by the factory's workshop or by a freelance designer. Once the factory approves the sketch, the design is passed on to industrial designers who know how to adapt it to the chosen printing method. They establish the color scheme, break down the design accordingly, and create the engraving proofs. Finally, the design is printed; here again, several printing techniques are possible: intaglio, woodblock printing, cylinder printing, screen printing, stenciling, hand-painted sections, and so on.

Circa: 1810

Condition report: Some minor losses and repairs to the paper, bottom left.