Design for a Lampas Silk with a Triumphal Chariot on a Cloud

Philippe de la Salle, a master designer of textiles, created this vibrant watercolor and gouache over graphite underdrawing around 1765. He was renowned for his luxurious silk designs, often featuring elaborate motifs for the French court and aristocracy. This particular design, a 'lampas silk,' refers to a type of figured silk textile that allowed for complex, multi-layered patterns. Here, De la Salle envisions a triumphal chariot, seemingly floating on a cloud, a grand and theatrical motif perfectly suited for the opulent interiors of the 18th century. His work, like the many silk panels in the collection of the Art Institute of Chicago, often combined naturalistic elements with classical or allegorical scenes, showcasing the technical prowess required for weaving such intricate patterns. This design provides a rare glimpse into the preliminary stages of his highly sought-after textile creations, revealing the artistic hand behind the woven masterpiece.