Le Bain d'Amour (Love Bath) (Furnishing Fabric) by Favre-Petitpierre et cie

Le Bain d'Amour (Love Bath) (Furnishing Fabric)

Favre-Petitpierre et cie · 1820

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“Step into a charming 19th-century fantasy with this fabric, where playful cherubs enjoy a "Love Bath" amidst classical grandeur. It's a delightful peek into the decorative arts of the era, showcasing intricate copperplate printing.”

ABOUT THIS WORK

This furnishing fabric, titled "Le Bain d'Amour" or "Love Bath," transports us to a whimsical scene where cherubs frolic amidst classical architecture and lush gardens. The design, printed in a single color, likely a deep indigo or sepia, suggests the elegance of Neoclassical taste, popular in the early 19th century. We see a central fountain, its water cascading into a basin where several putti (childlike figures) splash and play. Surrounding them are grand columns, draped fabrics, and abundant foliage, creating an idyllic setting that blends mythological themes with a sense of playful innocence. The intricate details, from the delicate ruffles on the cherubs' wings to the texture of the leaves, are a testament to the copperplate printing technique used, which allowed for fine lines and subtle shading on cotton.

DETAILS
Artist
Favre-Petitpierre et cie
Date
1820
Medium
Cotton, copperplate printed
Location
Art Institute of Chicago
Dimensions
119.4 × 66 cm (47 × 26 in.)
Collection
Textiles
Culture
Nantes
Credit line
Gift of Mrs. Potter Palmer, II
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What to Notice

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

Le Bain d'Amour (Love Bath) (Furnishing Fabric)
01

Look for the cherub playfully splashing water from the fountain's basin.

02

Notice the classical columns and draped fabric framing the central scene.

03

Spot the tiny birds perched among the leaves in the upper corners.

04

Observe the intricate patterns on the cherubs' wings and the water's ripples.

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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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