Panel c. 1800

This panel, crafted by J. P. Meillier & Cie, presents a visually captivating composition of repeating floral and geometric forms, potentially silk, of muted monochrome tones that evoke a sense of understated elegance. The design features undulating bands running vertically, intertwined to create a rhythmic, almost musical pattern. These bands are flanked by stylized floral motifs, carefully arranged to balance symmetry and organic variation. The interplay between the geometric precision of the bands and the naturalistic representation of the flowers introduces a fascinating tension, destabilizing any fixed sense of order. Considering structuralist perspectives, the panel can be viewed as a semiotic system, where floral and geometric elements act as signs. These visual signs convey cultural codes related to nature, order, and aesthetics. This challenges conventional symbolic interpretation by engaging with the materiality of the fabric itself, pushing us to reconsider the interplay between form and meaning.