Wall Covering with Classical Figure

This elegant wall covering features a classical figure, perhaps a goddess or muse, poised against a backdrop of flowing ribbons and delicate floral sprays. Created in Lyon, a hub of European silk production, this piece reflects the late 18th-century shift towards lighter, more balanced designs. The fabric itself, a luxurious llampas silk, uses a combination of satin and plain weaves, further enriched with brocading, appliqué, and embroidery. Unlike earlier, heavier brocades, this textile avoids opulent gold threads, instead achieving its richness through intricate weaving and the subtle sheen of the silk. It was designed by Philippe de la Salle, who trained as a painter and became a leading textile designer for Camille Pernon & Cie, a firm that supplied textiles to King Louis XVI.