Brocaded Silk Skirt Panel

Date1745-1750

MediumBrocaded Silk Taffeta

DimensionsOH: 42 3/8" x OW: 20 1/8"; repeat: 37 7/8"

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1953-1025,1

DescriptionThis rectangular skirt panel has a cream-colored ground with loosely strewn stems of roses, carnations and other flowers on top of a self-colored float design of scrolling vines. The rose stems have prominent thorns, and the blooms and buds are in vivid shades of pink. The carnations are in shades of purple. The other flowers are in shades of brown and blue and have feathery leaves. All are very naturalistically portrayed. The left and right edges are selvedges. The selvedges are 28 warps wide (1/4”) with two green stripes. From the outside in, there are three slightly thicker warps in the brocade colors, then a single cream-colored warp, eight green warps, eight cream warps, and eight green warps. The top and bottom edges are cut and raw. There is evidence of stitch lines along the top and bottom edges and along the selvedges.
Label TextThis silk fragment was designed in Spitalfields, a neighborhood in East London where England's finest silks were produced in the 18th century. This industry was led by French Protestant refugees, and it was because of these individuals that England's silks began to rival French examples. This textile, with its sinuous floral patterns, light ground, and pastel tones, is typical of Spitalfields silks and the Rococo designs and colors that were so popular in Britain, the Continent, and the United States in the middle of the 18th century.
InscribedNone
MarkingsNone
ProvenanceObtained by dealer Elinor Merrell, New York;
Sold to CWF, 1953.

Exhibition(s)