Vintage French Art Nouveau Prints for Decoration and Design Inspiration

Explore beautiful Belle Époque–era French Art Nouveau prints from Modèles de Décoration Moderne; high-resolution downloads of 19th-century decorative designs.

Every so often, while rummaging around in the online archives, I come across a real treasure. This time it’s a little-known French pattern book with the rather grand title Modèles de décoration moderne: l’enluminure appliquée aux objets usuels, created by L. Rousseau in 1892. What you’ll find inside is a delightful collection of decorative plates designed to make everyday life just a little bit more beautiful.

Everyday Beauty, Belle Époque Style

Rousseau’s idea was simple but brilliant: why not bring the glamour of illuminated ornament into the small objects we use every day? Think of menus, visiting cards, fans, stationery, and even photo frames. The book includes 15 chromolithographic plates enhanced with touches of gold ink. The designs range from floral borders and swirling motifs to geometric frames, all with that unmistakable late 19th-century flair. It’s Belle Époque decoration at its finest, luxurious, playful, and unapologetically ornate.

A Forgotten Cousin of Art Nouveau

When we think of decorative arts from this era, names like William Morris or Koloman Moser spring to mind. But Rousseau’s book shows us that he, too, was part of that broader movement of designers who wanted to blur the line between art and everyday life.

It reminds me a little of Strong’s Book of Designs, another treasure trove of pattern plates meant to inspire artisans. And if you enjoyed the flowing lines and whimsical shapes in my post on Art Nouveau Décor Patterns from Cahiers de l’écolier décorateur, you’ll definitely see a family resemblance here.

All of these books celebrate the same idea, that decoration belongs everywhere, not just in galleries and grand houses.

French Art Nouveau Pattern Downloads

I’ve pulled together the beautiful plates from Modèles de Décoration Moderne and turned them into free, high-resolution downloads. Since the book is now in the public domain, you’re free to use the images however you wish. To download, click on the title above the print you’d like. A larger, high-quality version will open in a new tab, ready for you to save or print.

Even though Rousseau was designing for the 1890s, these plates still feel surprisingly fresh. I can see them working beautifully for:

• Handmade cards and stationery
• Scrapbooking or journaling
• Decoupage projects (perfect for upcycled home décor!)
• Textile or surface pattern inspiration
• Simply framed as unique wall art

Print 1: Programme Borders

Print 2: Photo Frames

Two floral mounts for photographs.

Print 3: Box Decorations

Decorations for a box of almonds.

Print 4: Book Cover

Print 5: Page Borders

Plate 6: Block Notes

Print 7: Dance Cards & Badges

During the Belle Époque, even the smallest social accessories were dressed up in style. Dance cards: tiny booklets used by women at balls to record their partners for each dance, and badges for clubs or events weren’t just practical; they were keepsakes. Rousseau’s ornate borders and gilded flourishes made these little objects sparkle, proving that design could elevate even the most everyday items.

Print 8: Envelopes and Paper

Plate 9: Lampshade Design

Print 10: Fan Design

Print 11: Table Place Cards

Plate 12: Candle Screen, Shield and Token

Print 13: Game Menu & Tokens

Plate 14: Top of Tambourines

Print 15: Date Page

Wrapping Up

I love how this book captures the late 19th-century spirit of embellishing life with a touch of elegance. It may not be as well-known as William Morris or Koloman Moser, but L. Rousseau’s Modèles de Décoration Moderne is a wonderful reminder that even the smallest objects can be elevated by good design.

If you’d like to dive deeper into similar decorative treasures, check out these other collections on Pictureboxblue:

• Christopher Dresser’s Design Prints – bold, innovative works from one of the pioneers of modern design.
• Vintage Floral Pattern Designs – a collection of timeless floral motifs.
• Chinoiserie Prints from Brighton Pavilion – decorative prints with an exotic flair.

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