Elegant, refined, artful, imaginative . . . these draped decorative elements ― be they banners, ribbons, or scrolls ― run the gamut from the most extravagant confections of swirling delight to staid and conservative commercial illustrations. Perched patriotic eagles, medieval ladies-in-waiting and knights in armor, sailing ships, dollar signs, calligraphic doves in flight ― nearly every conceivable motif is represented. They come in a variety of sizes with open or narrow spaces suitable for graphic messages and are ready to be adapted to the purposes of any artist, designer, or advertiser.
Artist Carol Belanger Grafton has selected all 503 of these beautifully drawn banners, ribbons, and scrolls from authentic nineteenth-century sources: "Cassell's Magazine, Century Magazine, Illustrated London News, "and other popular periodicals as well as various catalogues, copybooks, and book plates. Sumptuous Victorian designs reflect the glorious styles of the past: Egyptian, Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque--and prefigure the styles of the future -- Art Nouveau and Art Deco. Each and every design is handsome, affordable, and royalty free.