Les éléments de l’art arabe pl 139 (1879) Rug | Jules Bourgoin

Jules Bourgoin was a French architect, draftsman, and ornamentalist best known for his groundbreaking studies of Islamic geometric patterns and decorative arts. Trained at the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris, he traveled extensively across the Middle East and North Africa, where he meticulously documented the intricate ornamentation of Islamic architecture, textiles, ceramics, and manuscripts.

Bourgoin’s most influential work, Les Éléments de l’art arabe, published in 1879, became a foundational reference for architects, designers, and artists interested in the mathematical and aesthetic systems behind Islamic art. His precise line drawings and analytical breakdowns of geometry revealed a deep respect for both the artistic and scientific complexity of these visual traditions.

More than just a documentarian, Bourgoin helped bridge Eastern and Western design languages during a time of intense Orientalist fascination in Europe. His legacy continues to inspire contemporary artists, pattern designers, and digital creators exploring the harmony of structure and beauty in ornamental forms.