Artwork

Gilet au bouquet de fleurs multicolores, projets de broderies de gilet, XVIIIème siècle

Gilet au bouquet de fleurs multicolores, 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. This eighteenth‑century design, attributed to an unknown creator and dated to around 1750, illustrates a decorative scheme for a men’s vest.

About this work

Overview

This eighteenth‑century design, attributed to an unknown creator and dated to around 1750, illustrates a decorative scheme for a men’s vest. Rendered as a flat illustration, it depicts a loosely arranged bouquet of flowers in softened pinks, yellows, blues and greens, extending beyond the borders of the picture plane to suggest profusion and vitality.

Subject & Meaning

The central motif is a naturalistic floral arrangement, a common decorative element in period costume design. The composition’s informal, spilling quality conveys a sense of abundance, aligning with contemporary tastes for ornamental richness and the symbolic association of flowers with elegance and social display.

Technique & Style

Executed as a line drawing with subtle washes of muted pigment, the design emphasizes delicate detailing of petals and foliage. The style reflects the Rococo penchant for asymmetry and organic forms, while the restrained colour palette underscores the intended translation of the image into embroidered thread rather than a fully painted surface.

History & Provenance

The illustration is part of a collection of vest‑embroidery projects held by the Museum of Ethnography. Its anonymous authorship and survival as a design sketch rather than a finished garment illustrate the archival preservation of textile planning documents from the mid‑1700s.

Context

During the mid‑eighteenth century, embroidered garments were markers of status among the European elite. Designs such as this one were circulated among tailors and embroiderers, serving as templates for intricate needlework that adorned courtly attire, reflecting broader trends in decorative arts and fashion.