Piece 1735 - 1740

Jean Revel, born in 1684, designed this textile piece. Revel lived in a time where the French textile industry was not just about producing beautiful fabrics, but also a symbol of national pride and economic power. This silk and metal thread textile, with its symmetrical floral design, speaks to the opulence and artistry sought after by the French court and aristocracy. These textiles weren't just decorative; they were enmeshed with social status and power. Think about who had access to these intricate designs, and who was excluded. The labor-intensive process of creating such textiles highlights the vast disparities in wealth and the exploitation of labor that underpinned this luxury. There’s a tension in viewing such beauty, knowing it was produced within a system of inequality. Revel’s work, while stunning, invites us to consider the complex relationship between art, labor, and social stratification in 18th century France.