The Fables of La Fontaine c. 19th century

This 19th-century textile, titled "The Fables of La Fontaine", is a stunning example of decorative arts. Featuring a repeating pattern of oval medallions, the fabric is a printed design of scenes from Jean de La Fontaine's famous collection of fables. Each medallion depicts a different scene from the tales, with details including animals, humans, and landscapes. The use of a single color—a muted purple, known as "lilac"—is characteristic of textile printing from this period.