Toile fragment c. 1815

This fragment of a Toile de Jouy, a type of printed cotton fabric, depicts a romantic scene in a garden. Created around 1815, the print features a couple seated on a bench, conversing intimately while a man stands behind them. The intricate details of the design, rendered in a soft purple, are characteristic of this popular 18th- and 19th-century textile style. The Toile de Jouy pattern, originating in the French village of Jouy-en-Josas, was often used for upholstery and clothing and was known for its pastoral imagery and romantic motifs. This fragment, now part of the Minneapolis Institute of Art's collection, provides a glimpse into the history of textile design and its role in 19th-century fashion.