Getting Squiggly In The 1860s

facade etching
Does anyone know the significance of these decorative elements that are all over the facade of the Williamsburg Art & Historical Society Building? This 1867 building is of French Second Empire Design, but for some reason these squiggly designs look far too informal to us. What’s the story?
Inside the Williamsburg Art Building [Brownstoner]

By Brownstoner |