Chrysanthèmes (Chrysantemums), pl. 16

Plate, part of a collection of 30 pochoir pattern plates, originally part of a book titled "Les fleurs et leurs applications décoratives" (Flowers and their decorative applications), created by Émile-Allain Séguy and published in Paris by A. Calavas, as part of the collection "Librairie des Arts Decoratifs" (Library of Decorative Arts) in 1902. The plate features a naturalistic illustration with two chrysanthemums, outlined with thin, brown lines, and colored with white and shades of pink, each standing on a branch flanked with leaves, also outlined with thin, brown lines, and colored with shades of green. On the lower left side of the sheet is an illustration of a vertical leaf, outlined with thin, brown lines, and colored with shades of green. The detailed, naturalistic depiction of this illustration reveals Séguy's unique interest in the scientific study of the creations of nature, including flowers, butterflies, and insects, as a source of inspiration for artistic creation. This illustration was likely meant to inspire designs for textiles and wallpapers.