Fragment of woven silk

This exquisite silk fragment, created around 1760, showcases the masterful artistry of Philippe de la Salle, a renowned textile designer from Lyon. De la Salle was celebrated for his innovative and luxurious silk designs, often incorporating complex weaving techniques and rich, naturalistic motifs. While the Metropolitan Museum of Art's collection includes mostly lithographs and engravings attributed to a 'de la Salle' from a later period, the Art Institute of Chicago's extensive holdings confirm Philippe de la Salle's specialization in elaborate silk textiles. His works, like this fragment, frequently feature intricate patterns achieved through satin weaves with brocading wefts, sometimes enhanced with chenille yarns or detailed embroidery. This piece exemplifies the opulence and technical sophistication characteristic of 18th-century French silk production, a period when Lyon was at the forefront of textile innovation. De la Salle's designs were highly sought after by European aristocracy, adorning palaces and fashionable attire, and this fragment offers a glimpse into that world of refined elegance.