Panel (Furnishing Fabric) 1801 - 1825

This furnishing fabric panel was created by Adam Buck, sometime between the late 18th and early 19th century. It’s an intriguing example of how domestic textiles can reflect societal values and norms. The design features neoclassical scenes of domesticity. We see women and children amidst abundant floral patterns, evoking ideals of femininity, motherhood, and family. Yet, these scenes also speak to the social and economic realities of the time. The detailed imagery suggests a degree of luxury and refinement, reflecting the tastes of the upper and middle classes who could afford such decorative items. The imagery creates a narrative of domestic tranquility, but it also hints at the power dynamics and gendered expectations that shaped women's lives during this period. The panel invites us to consider the complex relationship between art, gender, and social class in the Georgian era. It captures both the beauty and the constraints that defined the lives of women and families during this period.