Floral design for printed textiles
Classification
textile designs
Department
Smithsonian Collection
Museum
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Credit
Museum purchase from Friends of the Museum Fund
Accession Number
1957-46-47-c
Rights
Public Domain
About this artwork
Research in Progress
Art Historical Context
**Floral Design for Printed Textiles** *Louis-Albert DuBois (Swiss, 1752–1818), 1800–1818* Step into the elegant world of early 19th-century textile with this delicate floral pattern by Swiss artist Louis-Albert Duois. Created late in his career, between 1800 and1818, this work was intended for printed textiles—a booming industry in Switzerland at the time. DuBois, active during the transition from Neoclassicism to the opulent Empire style, captured nature's beauty in motifs that would adorn fashionable fabrics for clothing and home furnishings. Printed textiles like this one revolutionized design accessibility, allowing intricate floral patterns to reach wider audiences amid Europe's growing textile trade. Switzerland's expertise in calico printing made it a hub for such innovations, blending artistry with emerging industrial techniques. Though the exact medium remains unknown, the design's classification highlights its role in bridging fine art and everyday luxury. Acquired through the Friends of the Museum Fund and now housed in the Smithsonian American Art Museum's collection, this piece reflects international influences on American design tastes. Ongoing research promises to reveal more about DuBois's techniques and legacy—stay tuned as we uncover its full story!