Design for an Embroidered or Woven Horizontal Border of the "Fabrique de St. Ruf," Unfinished
1805–1815
Classification
Drawing
Department
Smithsonian Collection
Museum
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Credit
Gift of Eleanor and Sarah Hewitt
Accession Number
1914-21-82
Rights
Public Domain
About this artwork
Research in Progress
Art Historical Context
This unfinished drawing, titled *Design for an Embro or Woven Horizontal Border the "Fabrique de. Ruf,"* hails from the renowned textile manufactory Fabrique de Ruf in Lyon, France, dating to 1805–1815. Lyon was Europe's silk-weaving capital during this era, producing luxurious fabrics that adorned Napoleonic-era fashions, furnishings, and exports worldwide. As a preparatory design for embroidery or weaving, it captures the meticulous planning behind these intricate borders, essential decorative elements in textiles. Classified as a drawing—though its exact medium remains under study—this piece offers a rare glimpse into the creative process of 19th-century French textile design. The "Fabrique de St. Ruf" label points to a specialized workshop, where artists sketched patterns to guide looms or needles, blending artistry with industrial precision. Its unfinished state invites curiosity, revealing how motifs evolved from initial lines to final splendor. Generously gifted to the Smithsonian American Art Museum by Eleanor and Sarah Hewitt, passionate collectors of design, this work highlights the transatlantic exchange of decorative arts. Though research continues, it underscores Lyon's enduring legacy in shaping global textile aesthetics during a transformative period.