A precise ink-on-paper embroidery pattern by Dutch artist Pieter Bartholomeusz. Barbiers, featuring repetitive floral and scalloped motifs for textile design.

This work by Pieter Bartholomeusz. Barbiers presents a series of linear motifs intended for embroidery. The composition is divided into vertical sections, each containing repeating decorative elements that reflect the aesthetic preferences of the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries. The left panel features a rhythmic, wave-like border adorned with delicate sprigs and fan-shaped floral abstractions. The right panel displays a more structured, scalloped edge, incorporating circular forms with cross-hatched centres, surrounded by small dots and leaf-like flourishes.

Barbiers, a Dutch artist known for his versatility in drawing and printmaking, demonstrates a precise hand in these technical designs. The lines are clean and deliberate, prioritising clarity for the artisan who would eventually transfer these patterns onto fabric. The work provides a glimpse into the professional practice of decorative arts during the period, where artists often produced templates for domestic crafts or professional needlework. The inclusion of handwritten annotations and inventory markings, such as the Rijksmuseum collection stamp, confirms its status as a functional document within a larger archive of design patterns.

Visually, the print relies on a balanced, repetitive structure. The use of negative space is intentional, allowing the viewer to focus on the geometry of the embroidery guides. The monochromatic palette, typical of preparatory sketches and pattern books, emphasises the form over colour. This piece is suitable for those interested in the history of textile production, the mechanics of historical design, or the minimalist beauty of technical drawing. It captures a moment where art intersected with the practical requirements of the home and the workshop, offering a clear view of the disciplined approach required for period-accurate needlework.