Artwork

Gilet bouquet de fleurs sur fond noir, projets de broderies de gilet, XVIIIème siècle

Gilet bouquet de fleurs sur fond noir, 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

The drawing, attributed to an unknown artist and dated to around 1750, is a paper sketch that records an embroidery design intended for a men’s sleeveless vest. Executed on a dark ground, the illustration presents a stylised pocket motif filled with floral and lace elements, serving as a visual guide for textile artisans.

Subject & Meaning

The central motif depicts a pocket-shaped area outlined in white, within which a cluster of stylised flowers in shades of purple, pink and green is arranged. Surrounding the bouquet are delicate, lace‑like borders and a narrow woven band, suggesting a decorative emphasis on both natural ornamentation and refined textile detailing typical of eighteenth‑century fashion.

Technique & Style

Rendered in white pigment against a black background, the sketch employs fine linear strokes to indicate stitch placement and fabric folds. The use of contrasting tones highlights the embroidery’s texture, while the curving edges of the pocket suggest a three‑dimensional fold, reflecting the practical need to visualise how the design would appear on a garment.

History & Provenance

Created circa 1750, the work is part of the collection of the Museum of Ethnography. Its anonymous authorship points to its function as a utilitarian design document rather than a finished artwork, preserving a glimpse of the decorative practices and garment embellishment trends of the mid‑eighteenth century.