“Paul and Virginie” Furnishing Fabric after 1818

This printed cotton furnishing fabric, titled “Paul and Virginie” after the popular 18th-century novel, features a repeating design by Tony Johannot, a prominent French illustrator of the early 19th century. The repeating pattern features oval vignettes depicting scenes from the story, set in a lush tropical environment. The fabric was likely used to upholster furniture in the early 19th century. The Art Institute of Chicago holds the piece in its collection.