“Stop to admire the exquisite detail and luxurious materials in these 18th-century silk embroideries. They reveal the artistry involved in creating decorative textiles for aristocratic homes.”
These two pieces of embroidery offer a glimpse into the luxurious textiles of 18th-century France. The intricate floral motifs, rendered in silk, showcase the period's fascination with nature and ornate decoration. We see delicate blossoms and trailing vines, meticulously stitched to create a sense of depth and movement on the fabric. The rich texture of the silk threads, some appearing almost three-dimensional, would have caught the light beautifully in a well-appointed room. While the artist, Philippe de la Salle, is recorded as being born in 1723, the artwork's stated year of 1723 would mean he created this at birth, which is implausible. It is more likely that this piece dates from later in the 18th century, aligning with the style of other works attributed to him, which often feature similar botanical designs and sophisticated weaving techniques.
- Artist
- Philippe de la Salle
- Date
- 1723
- Medium
- embroidery, silk
- Location
- Cleveland Museum of Art
- Dimensions
- [object Object]
What to Notice
Four details hide in plain sight. Here’s where to look.

Look closely at the individual silk threads, some are very fine, others thicker.
Observe how the flowers seem to 'pop out' from the background fabric.
Notice the subtle color variations within a single leaf or petal.
See the delicate tendrils and curving lines that connect the floral elements.
Stand in front of it and listen
The full narration walks you through Two Pieces of Embroidery — the story behind it, the details most visitors miss, and why it matters. Free in the Art Whisper app.
Philippe de la Salle
1723–1804 · FrancePhilippe de la Salle was a master of 18th-century Lyon silk weaving, known for luxurious textiles like his 'Branche de Corail'.
Further Works by de la Salle
Design for a Lampas Silk with a Triumphal Chariot on a Cloud
1765 · The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Chair back
1765 · The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Upholstery for a Chair Seat
1738 · Cleveland Museum of Art
Coverlet
1755 · Cleveland Museum of Art
Coverlet and Fragments
1755 · Cleveland Museum of Art
Coverlet Fragment
1755 · Cleveland Museum of Art
Silk Fragment
1770 · Cleveland Museum of Art
Silk Fragment, Part of Panel called "Le panier fleuri"
1770 · Cleveland Museum of Art
More works to explore
Beyond de la Salle: works from the same years.
Same era · 1700s–1730s
Samuel Bradford (1652–1731), Master (1716–1724), Bishop of Rochester (1723–1731)
John Theodore Heins · 1729 · Corpus Christi College
Same era · 1700s–1730s
Venus and Cupid
Adriaen van der Werff · 1716 · Czartoryski Museum
Same era · 1700s–1730s
Hudibras' First Adventure (Twelve Large Illustrations for Samuel Butler's Hudibras, Plate 3)
William Hogarth · 1725 · The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Same era · 1700s–1730s
Viererleÿ Vorstellungen angenehm-und zierlicher Grundrisse folgender Lustgärten ausser der Residenz-Stadt Wienn..
Salomon Kleiner · 1725 · The Metropolitan Museum of Art
