Printed Textile Document

Date1806

Artist/Maker Jean-Baptiste Huet

MediumCotton (tabby weave)

DimensionsOverall: 32 1/4in. (81.9cm) Other (Repeat): 36in. (91.4cm) 60 warps per inch; 60 wefts per inch.

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1958-343

DescriptionCopperplate print, red & white textile. Le Meunier, son Fils, et L'Age. Scenes illustrating La Fontaines's fable show father and son walking beside the mule, the son riding, the father riding, the two riding the mule together, and finally the men carrying the mule. Intervening scenes of rustic life including a group of women, a house and a waterfall, a small bridge and a boy and dog with poultry. Printed in red.
Label TextChristophe-Philippe Oberkampf, a Bavarian came from a family of dyers and learned the techniques of block printing in Mulhouse and Basel before working in Paris. In 1760 he established a factor just south of Paris in Jouy-en-Josas. The location took advantage of the Bievre River for the vast quantities of pure water needed in textile printing.

Oberkampf produced large quantities of prints, mostly floral patterns for furnishings, women’s gowns, and handkerchiefs.

Wealthier consumers purchased these large prints for bed curtains, slip covers, etc, often making a room all matching or "en suite."