Design for the Embroidery of a Horizontal Border, Pattern No. 23 of the "Fabrique de St. Ruf"
1775-1800
Classification
Drawing
Department
Smithsonian Collection
Museum
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Credit
Gift of Eleanor and Sarah Hewitt
Accession Number
1920-36-314
About this artwork
Research in Progress
Art Historical Context
This delicate drawing, titled *Design for the Embroidery a Horizontal Border, Pattern. 23 of the "Fabrique de St."*, hails from the renowned Fabrique de Saint Ruf in, France, a powerhouse of textile innovation during the late 18 century (1775–1800). Lyon was Europe's silk capital, where workshops like Saint Ruf produced exquisite fabrics for elite wardrobes and interiors, blending artistry with commerce. As a preparatory drawing for embroidery, this pattern exemplifies the meticulous design process behind luxurious borders—repeating motifs destined for garments, furnishings, or trims that ador...