Under Ekvatorn (Beneath the Equator)

1941

Under Ekvatorn (Beneath the Equator), 1941. Josef Frank (Swedish, born Austria, 1885–1967), Svenskt Tenn (Swedish, est. 1924). Plain weave bleached linen, loom width, printed; overall: 192.4 x 127 cm (75 3/4 x 50 in.). The Cleveland Museum of Art, The Harold T. Clark Educational Extension Fund 1954.202 Though this pattern is titled Under Ekvatorn or Beneath the Equator, the design and textile were both produced in Sweden. Frank’s use of brightly colored flowers on a black background suggests a warm equatorial environment brimming with vitality. All the flowers depicted in this design are imaginary flowers created by Josef Frank.