Design for a Woven or Embroidered Corner Motif of the "Fabrique de St. Ruf"
1800-1825
Classification
Drawing
Department
Smithsonian Collection
Museum
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Credit
Gift of Eleanor and Sarah Hewitt
Accession Number
1920-36-126
About this artwork
Research in Progress
Art Historical Context
This delicate drawing, titled *Design for a Woven Embroidered Corner Motif of the "Fabrique de St. Ruf"*, hails from the renowned textile hub of Lyon, France, created between 1800 and 1825 by the Fabrique de Saint Ruf workshop As a preparatory sketch for weaving or embroidery, it exemplifies the precision required in producing ornate corner motifs—small, repeating patterns that adorned luxurious fabrics like silk shawls, curtains, and upholstery. Lyon's silk industry, at its peak during the Napoleonic era, employed thousands and exported worldwide, making such designs vital blueprints for mast...