Paul et Virginie 1800 - 1815

This textile, Paul et Virginie, was produced by Favre, Petitpierre et Cie, printed on cotton using an engraved copperplate. The design is a repeating pattern, and it speaks volumes about the relationship between aesthetics and production. The copperplate printing method allowed for intricate and detailed designs to be transferred onto fabric, reflecting a high degree of skill, and labor, in the engraving process. Notice how the printed scenes are rich with botanical accuracy, and the narratives that are being played out. The choice of cotton as the base material is important too, as it's tied to global trade networks, colonial economies, and the exploitation of labor. The imagery, romanticized scenes of idyllic life, presents a stark contrast to the harsh realities of cotton production. The textile serves as a reminder of the complex relationships between art, industry, and society. It challenges us to consider the social and economic forces that shape our material world.