Artwork

Composition de bouquets de fleurs et chardons, projets de broderies de gilet, XVIIIème siècle

Composition de bouquets de fleurs et chardons, projets de broderies de gilet, XVIIIème siècle is a drawing by Anonyme. It dates from 1750 and is held in the collection of the Palais Galliera - Musée de la Mode de la Ville de Paris.

About this work

Overview

This eighteenth‑century design, attributed to an unknown hand and dated to around 1750, serves as a pattern for embroidered vest (gilet) work. The drawing is part of the Museum of Ethnography’s collection and illustrates a decorative scheme intended for textile application rather than a finished garment.

Subject & Meaning

The composition centers on an arrangement of stylised flowers—primarily pink, blue and yellow blossoms—interspersed with green foliage and tiny red berries. The motifs are organized in a flowing, draped configuration that suggests a shawl‑like silhouette, while a scalloped edge and narrow border of stitches frame the overall design.

Technique & Style

The draft employs fine, precise lines to delineate each petal and leaf, creating a delicate, hand‑crafted appearance. Contrasting bright hues against a light beige background enhance the visual impact of the embroidery, and the use of small, repetitive stitches along the border adds texture and rhythm to the pattern.

Context

Created in the mid‑1700s, the piece reflects the period’s taste for elaborate, nature‑inspired ornamentation on men’s clothing. It entered the Museum of Ethnography’s holdings as part of a broader collection of historic textile designs, offering insight into the decorative practices and aesthetic preferences of the French Rococo era.