La Vie de Jeanne d'Arc (The Life of Joan of Arc) (Furnishing Fabric) after 1817

Charles Abraham Chasselat designed this furnishing fabric, "La Vie de Jeanne d'Arc," which now resides at the Art Institute of Chicago. Upon initial viewing, the monochromatic textile presents a densely populated tableau. The narrative unfolds in a repeating pattern, each scene delineated by subtle variations in scale and composition. Chasselat employs line and form meticulously, creating a dynamic interplay between foreground and background. The absence of color directs the viewer's attention to the intricacies of the draftsmanship, enhancing the fabric's textural depth. The choice of textile as a medium subtly destabilizes traditional art hierarchies, bringing the epic narrative of Joan of Arc into the domestic sphere. Each repeat mirrors the cyclical nature of history and memory. The linear nature of the pattern encourages us to contemplate the artwork not just as a static image, but as a field of signs that invites continuous interpretation.