Design for an Embroidered or Woven Horizontal Border of the "Fabrique de St. Ruf," Unfinished
1805–1815
Medium
Drawing
Classification
Drawing
Department
Smithsonian Collection
Museum
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Credit
Gift of Eleanor and Sarah Hewitt
Accession Number
1914-21-84
Rights
Public Domain
About this artwork
Research in Progress
Art Historical Context
This unfinished drawing from the Fabrique Saint Ruf in Lyon, France, dates to 1805–1815 and serves as a design template for an embroidered or woven border. Lyon, the epicenter of Europe's silk industry during the Napoleonic era, renowned for its innovative textile production, where skilled designers created intricate patterns for luxurious fabrics like shawls,, and upholstery. The Fabrique de Saint Ruf a prominent manufactory, contributed to this vibrant tradition, blending Neoclassical motifs with emerging Empire style elegance—think symmetrical florals, acanthus leaves, or geometric repeats ...