Textile swatch (one of 12)

Art Historical Context

This delicate woven textile swatch, one of a set of twelve from early 19th-century France offers a glimpse into the refined world of European decorative arts. Housed in the Metropolitan Museum Art's Department of European Sculpture and Decor Arts—acquired through a 1985 purchase with funds from various donors—it exemplifies the exquisite craftsmanship of French textile production during a transformative era. Though the artist remains unknown, such swatches were typically created by skilled we as samples for larger commissions, showcasing potential patterns for upholstery, clothing, or furnishi...