18th Century French Textile Patterns – Floral and Striped Rococo Fabrics, Plate XCV
This vibrant chromolithograph, Plate XCV from *L'Ornement Polychrome*, displays a richly varied collection of 18th-century French textile designs. Originating in the height of the Rococo and early Neoclassical periods, these fabric samples reflect the refinement, luxury, and decorative sensibilities of Louis XV and Louis XVI-era interiors and fashion.
The page is divided into fifteen different textile swatches, each capturing the distinctive color palettes and motifs popular in 18th-century silk weaving and printed cottons. Central to the composition is a bold floral damask design featuring red and orange blossoms with teal and green foliage—a motif typical of Lyonnais silk production. Surrounding it are examples of: – Striped fabrics adorned with trailing flowers and ribbon swags. – Stylized floral sprays in soft pinks and pale blues on beige or rose backgrounds. – Yellow-ground brocade patterns with repeating floral vines. – Delicate white-on-aqua damask with urn and bouquet motifs. – Large-scale Rococo floral scrolls, arabesques, and curling garlands in contrasting tones.
These designs were used in high-end furnishing fabrics, wallpaper, draperies, and court garments, capturing the playful elegance and pastoral themes of the period. Their balance of geometry and nature demonstrates the aesthetic shift from Baroque heaviness to Rococo lightness and charm.
Lithographed by Panlieve and published by Firmin-Didot in Paris around 1869, this print was part of Auguste Racinet’s celebrated *L'Ornement Polychrome*, an essential design reference for artists, textile makers, and decorators. It remains a treasured source of inspiration for pattern designers and historians of decorative arts.
Condition: Excellent. Image area clean and vivid. No foxing, tears, or repairs. Slight age toning in the outer margin only. Chromolithographic colors remain strong, printed on thick, stable paper with full plate borders.
Framing tips: Use a gold or soft wood frame with a pale ivory or cream mat to highlight the vivid tones without overwhelming them. Ideal for interiors with vintage, floral, or French design themes, or in textile studios and fashion ateliers.
Technique: Chromolithograph Maker: Panlieve after Racinet, Paris, c.1869
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