Design for the Embroidery of the Left Bottom Corner of a Man's Waistcoat of the "Fabrique de St. Ruf"

About this artwork

Research in Progress

Art Historical Context

This delicate drawing, titled *Design for the Embroidery the Left Bottom Corner of Man's Waistcoat of theFabrique de St."*, hails from the renowned Fabrique de Saint Ruf workshop in Lyon, France, 1785. Lyon was Europe's silk capital in the 18th century, famed for its luxurious textiles that adorned the elite. As a preparatory sketch for embroidery on a gentleman's waistcoat—a key piece of Rococo-era menswear—this work captures the intricate patterns that elevated fashion to fine art, likely featuring floral motifs or geometric flourishes typical of the period's opulent style. The design reflects the height of pre-Revolutionary French craftsmanship, where workshops like Saint Ruf collaborated with designers to produce bespoke embroideries for aristocracy and bourgeoisie. Waistcoats, often paired with embroidered breeches and coats, showcased wealth through sumptuous silks and threads, blending functionality with extravagance. Though the exact medium remains unidentified, such drawings were essential blueprints, guiding weavers and embroiderers in creating harmonious, symmetrical decorations. Now in the Smithsonian American Art Museum's collection—gifted by Eleanor and Sarah Hewitt—this piece offers a glimpse into 18th-century luxury trade. Ongoing research promises to reveal more about its motifs and techniques, inviting us to appreciate the unsung artistry behind fashion's golden age.