Fragment of woven silk 1760 - 1765

Philippe de Lasalle created this fragment of woven silk sometime in the 18th century. As a leading silk designer in Lyon, France, de Lasalle navigated a world of royal patronage, trade, and innovation which was on the cusp of revolution. The Rococo style of the period is evident in the delicate floral patterns and naturalistic motifs, which were highly sought after by the European aristocracy for clothing and interior decoration. However, this beauty obscures the intensive labor required to produce such intricate textiles, as well as the colonial networks that provided the raw materials. Silk production relied on global trade routes and often exploited labor in distant lands. Consider how the wealthy consumers of these textiles were distanced from the realities of their production. This fragment serves as a potent reminder of the complex social and economic structures that underpinned the aesthetics of the 18th century. It invites us to reflect on the relationship between beauty, labor, and power.