Piece 1785 - 1788

This monochrome textile was designed by Jean-Baptiste Huet I in the late 18th century, and manufactured through surface printing. This method involves engraving a design onto a flat surface – typically a wooden block or a metal plate – applying ink or dye, and then pressing it onto the fabric. The exotic scenes of people and wildlife are rendered in great detail, which speaks to the engraver’s skill, and also the industrial labor involved in creating these patterns on a large scale. The fabric’s texture is also key, adding depth and visual interest. The weight and drape of the fabric would have determined how the material was used, whether for upholstery or clothing. All of these elements – the engraved design, the printing process, the fabric itself – contribute to the textile’s aesthetic appeal, reflecting both artistic skill and the labor of production, at the intersection of craft and industry.