Vue de L'Exposition Universelle de 1878
1878
Classification
printed, dyed & painted textiles
Department
Smithsonian Collection
Museum
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Credit
Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Simeon Braguin
Accession Number
1981-11-15
Rights
Public Domain
About this artwork
Research in Progress
Art Historical Context
Step into the bustling world of the 1878 Exposition Univers in Paris with *Vue de L'Ex Universelle de 1878*, a captivating printed, dyed, and painted textile offers a panoramic snapshot of this landmark event. Held on the Champ de Mars, fair celebrated France's resurgence after the Franco-Prussian, drawing over 13 million visitors to marvel at global innovations—from Thomas Edison's phonograph to the first moving sidewalk—and grand architectural feats like the Trocadéro Palace. Crafted in 1878 by an unknown artist, this textile exemplifies 19th-century decorative arts, where vibrant printing, dyeing, and painting techniques brought scenic souvenirs to life on fabric. Such pieces were prized for home decor, blending artistry with commemoration, and highlight the era's fusion of industrial precision and handcrafted flair. Now part of the Smithsonian American Art Museum's collection—generously gifted by Mr. and Mrs. Simeon Braguin—this rare artifact awaits further research, inviting us to ponder its role in preserving the fair's cultural splendor. A window to Gilded Age wonder!
About the Artist
Unknown
The artist designated as "Unknown" in our virtual museum's collection exemplifies a poignant chapter in art history: creators whose identities have faded into obscurity despite the enduring power of their work. With only one known artwork attributed to them in our holdings, this figure represents countless anonymous hands that shaped visual culture across centuries. Museums worldwide, including th...