Dites Merci (Furnishing Fabric) c. 1798

This furnishing fabric titled 'Dites Merci' – which translates to 'Say Thank You' – was designed by J. P. Meillier & Cie. The print in red dye on a white ground presents us with a pastoral scene in the style of a Toile de Jouy, a type of printed cotton popular in France during the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Toiles often depicted idyllic scenes of country life, classical mythology, or historical events, appealing to the tastes of the aristocracy and the bourgeoisie. This piece presents a window into the social and cultural values of its time. The choice of subject matter, the style of the print, and the function of the fabric as a furnishing material all speak to the priorities and preferences of a particular social class. To understand the context of this artwork, we might delve into historical archives, fashion magazines, and pattern books of the period. By examining the material culture of the time, we gain a deeper appreciation for the ways in which art is embedded in the social fabric.