Frieze (France), 1810–20 (CH 18424859-3)

Empire-style frieze. Pale gray ground with affronted grisaille swans amidst foliage, represented as if in relief. At top, border, illusionistically shaded border simulating architectural ornament, in ochers and yellow, of stylized, simplified acanthus leaves. Frieze dominated by bright blue cylix-shaped vases with ocher and yellow ornament which alternate, between grisaille swans, with blue, yellow and ocher flambeau. At bottom, medium gray band with darker gray five-pointed stars.