Artwork

Composition de bouquets de fleurs et de baies et semis de fleurs, projets de broderies de gilet, XVIIIème siècle

Composition de bouquets de fleurs et de baies et semis de fleurs, 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 paper design, attributed to an unknown artist and dated to around 1750, is part of the Museum of Ethnography’s collection.

This eighteenth‑century paper design, attributed to an unknown artist and dated to around 1750, is part of the Museum of Ethnography’s collection. Executed on a folded sheet, it presents a decorative arrangement of floral and berry motifs intended as a model for stitching onto a men’s vest. The composition balances soft pinks, blues, and yellows against a light ground, framed by a delicate border of tiny blue elements.

Subject & Meaning

The illustration depicts clustered roses, assorted berries, and interlacing green stems, organized into a harmonious bouquet. As a pattern for embroidery, the imagery serves both aesthetic and instructional purposes, guiding the artisan in reproducing naturalistic botanical elements on textile surfaces. The choice of flowers and fruit reflects contemporary tastes for pastoral and ornamental themes in garment decoration.

Technique & Style

Rendered with careful yet uncomplicated lines, the drawing functions as a template for needlework. The artist employed a limited palette of pastel hues, allowing the intended stitches to be visualized clearly. The border of minute blue shapes provides a framing device, while the overall style aligns with the Rococo penchant for lightness, asymmetry, and decorative flourish in applied arts.

History & Provenance

Created circa 1750, the piece entered the Museum of Ethnography’s holdings through a 20th‑century acquisition of decorative arts objects. Its anonymous authorship is typical of utilitarian design documents of the period, which were rarely signed. The work has been catalogued as a representative example of French‑influenced embroidery projects for men’s attire.

Context

During the mid‑1700s, embroidered detailing on clothing, especially on gilets and other outer garments, was a sign of refinement among the European bourgeoisie. Pattern books and individual sketches like this one circulated among tailors and seamstresses, providing standardized motifs that could be adapted to local tastes. The design reflects the broader cultural interest in botanical illustration and the integration of natural motifs into everyday dress.