In Progress: The Arabesques Collection

The Arabesques collection is now in final review: six richly ornamental plates drawn from Émile Prisse d’Avennes’ L’art arabe d’après les monuments du Kaire: depuis le VIIe siècle jusqu’à la fin du XVIIIe, a 19th-century study of Arabic art, architecture, and decorative detail in Cairo. The source material documents centuries of visual tradition, with designs inspired by architectural surfaces, wall tiles, carved ornament, and patterned interiors.

What drew me to these plates was their sense of structure. They are decorative, but never casual. Each design is built from rhythm, repetition, symmetry, and movement: scrolling forms, stylized foliage, geometric balance, and carefully ordered color. Some feel delicate and airy, while others are darker, denser, and more architectural. Together, they create a collection with real presence.

The proofing stage is where these works move from screen to paper, and where small decisions become especially important. A green may need to be softened slightly. A blue may need more clarity. The goal is not to make the plates feel new or overly polished, but to preserve their historical character while preparing them thoughtfully for print and display.

As with every E.M. Endicott & Co. collection, presentation is part of the work. Each print is prepared with a built-in border so it looks finished without needing a custom mat. The proportions, paper tone, and overall balance are considered before the artwork reaches the frame, making these historical designs easier to place in a real home.

The Arabesques collection will be available soon. Email subscribers will receive the first preview, along with collection notes and release updates. Join the list to see the collection before it goes live.