La marchande d'amours 1811 - 1821

This is "La marchande d'amours," a textile made by the Oberkampf Manufactory. Its pattern, rendered in shades of red against an off-white ground, consists of alternating rows of geometric shapes. The organization is notably vertical, using the repetition of shapes to form linear columns. Note the placement of octagons, circles, and diamond shapes. They create a sense of rhythm, yet the overall effect is less about symmetry and more about a structured arrangement of pictorial elements. Each shape contains a different scene or motif, prompting you to consider how these individual images relate to one another. They include classical figures, cupids, and pastoral settings. The texture of the fabric adds depth, inviting a close examination of its materiality. The artwork challenges fixed meanings by layering classical imagery with contemporary manufacturing techniques. "La marchande d'amours" is a complex interplay between tradition and innovation, inviting ongoing interpretation of its cultural and philosophical contexts.