Length of upholstery silk by Philippe de la Salle

Length of upholstery silk

Philippe de la Salle · 1760

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“This isn't just fabric; it's a window into 18th-century luxury. Notice the incredibly detailed floral design and the shimmering quality of the silk, which would have brought unparalleled elegance to French interiors.”

ABOUT THIS WORK

This length of silk upholstery immediately captures attention with its vibrant, almost three-dimensional floral design. Imagine this fabric adorning a grand armchair or gracing the walls of an elegant salon in 18th-century France. The design features large, naturalistic bouquets of roses and other blossoms, seemingly bursting from delicate ribbons and bows. The fabric's luxurious sheen, a characteristic of fine silk, would have made these intricate patterns shimmer in candlelight, adding to the opulence of any interior. This piece showcases the exquisite skill of 18th-century Lyon silk weaving, a craft renowned for its technical sophistication and artistic flair. The naturalistic style reflects a shift in taste towards designs inspired by nature, moving away from the more formal patterns of earlier periods.

DETAILS
Artist
Philippe de la Salle
Date
1760
Medium
Silk
Location
The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Dimensions
L. 55 3/4 x W. 27 5/8 inches (141.6 x 70.2 cm)
Collection
European Sculpture and Decorative Arts
Culture
French, Lyons
Credit line
Rogers and Director's Discretionary Funds, 1978
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What to Notice

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

Length of upholstery silk
01

The way light reflects off the silk, giving the flowers a lifelike glow.

02

The delicate shading within each petal, creating a sense of depth.

03

The intricate ribbons and bows that intertwine with the floral motifs.

04

The precise alignment of the pattern, suggesting its use for continuous upholstery.

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THE ARTIST

Philippe de la Salle

1723–1804 · France

Philippe de la Salle was a master of 18th-century Lyon silk weaving, known for luxurious textiles like his 'Branche de Corail'.

Read de la Salle’s full story
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