Cutout

Art Historical Context

**Cutout**, crafted by American artist and designer Lockwood de Forest around 1892, is a delicate brass panel measuring just 3⅝ by 7¼ inches. This exquisite piece features intricate pierced designs, likely depicting birds—a motif evoking grace and freedom in decorative arts. Housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Islamic Art department, it exemplifies de Forest's passion for Eastern aesthetics, acquired through his extensive travels to India and the Middle East in the 1880s. De Forest, a key figure in the Aesthetic Movement, drew inspiration from Indo-Islamic metalwork traditions, such as those seen in Mughal palaces and Syrian lanterns. The medium of chased brass—where intricate patterns are hammered into the metal from the front before piercing—creates a luminous effect when light filters through the cutouts, casting enchanting shadows. This technique highlights the object's dual role as both sculpture and functional screen, blending utility with artistry. Its cultural significance lies in bridging Western Orientalism with authentic Islamic craftsmanship during America's Gilded Age. Donated in 2014 by Frank and Patricia Goss, this modest yet masterful work invites visitors to appreciate how de Forest brought the intricate beauty of the exotic East into modern design, influencing interiors from Tiffany studios to grand homes. A testament to cross-cultural exchange! (198 words)

About the Artist

Lockwood de Forest · 1850–1932

American painter, interior designer and furniture designer. A key figure in the Aesthetic Movement, he introduced the East Indian craft revival to Gilded Age America. His father was Henry Grant de Forest, and his son worked professionally as Lockwood de Forest, Jr., though the son's birth name is Lockwood de Forest, III.