Mise-en-carte (Point-paper) 1760 - 1790

Veret's "Mise-en-carte" or "Point-paper" is a painted design for woven silk. During the 18th and 19th centuries, Lyon, France, became the center of Europe's silk-weaving industry. Designs like this one were essential to the manufacturing process, guiding the intricate work of the weavers. These designs represent the height of luxury and craftsmanship, but also hint at the complex social hierarchies of the time. The production of luxury goods like silk was built on the labor of many, often women and children, who worked in harsh conditions. While silk symbolized wealth and status for the elite, it represented a very different reality for those who made it. This artwork invites us to consider the human stories behind beautiful objects. We can ponder the lives and labor of those who brought these designs to life, and reflect on the complex relationship between art, labor, and social class.