L'histoire d'Alexandre by Favre-Petitpierre et cie

L'histoire d'Alexandre

Favre-Petitpierre et cie

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“This copperplate-printed cotton fabric vividly depicts a scene from the life of Alexander the Great, transforming a historical narrative into a detailed and decorative textile for the home.”

ABOUT THIS WORK

This cotton fabric, printed with a copper plate, brings to life a dramatic scene from the life of Alexander the Great. The intricate design, rendered in a single color, invites close inspection to unravel the narrative. We see Alexander, identifiable by his helmet and commanding presence, engaged in a pivotal moment of his legendary story. The dense composition, typical of furnishing fabrics from this period, would have transformed a room into a visual feast, offering endless details to discover. The technique of copperplate printing allowed for fine lines and rich tonal variations, creating an effect akin to an engraved illustration but on a soft, pliable textile. This piece not only served a decorative purpose but also brought classical history into the domestic sphere, reflecting an enduring fascination with ancient heroes and their epic tales.

DETAILS
Artist
Favre-Petitpierre et cie
Medium
Medium: cotton Technique: printed by engraved copper plate on plain weave
Location
Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum
Dimensions
Warp x Weft: 74 x 92 cm (29 1/8 x 36 1/4 in.)
LOOK CLOSER

What to Notice

Five details hide in plain sight. Here’s where to look.

L'histoire d'Alexandre
01

Locate Alexander the Great by his distinctive helmet and central position.

02

Observe the detailed architecture and classical ruins in the background.

03

Notice the various figures, some in battle, others in repose, around Alexander.

04

See how the single color printing creates depth and texture in the fabric.

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AUDIO DEEP DIVE

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The full narration walks you through L'histoire d'Alexandre — the story behind it, the details most visitors miss, and why it matters. Free in the Art Whisper app.

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THE ARTIST

Favre-Petitpierre et cie

French textile firm that turned cotton yardage into narrative art, printing Homer and Napoleon onto your curtains.

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