Fragment veelkleurige gebrocheerde zijde

About this artwork

geheel: hoogte 36,7 cm x breedte 52,3 cm (inclusief zelfkant)

Art Historical Context

### Fragment of Multicolored Brocaded Silk This exquisite fragment, titled *Fragment veelkleurige gebrocheerde zijde*, showcases the opulence of mid-18th-century textile artistry. Dating to around 1740–1760, it measures 36.7 cm high by 52.3 cm wide, including the selvage—the finished edge from the loom that preserved its structural integrity. Woven in a tabby (plain) weave, the silk features vibrant multicolored brocading, where supplementary threads create raised, patterned motifs floated over the base fabric. This technique produced luxurious, shimmering effects ideal for high-society garments and furnishings. In the Rococo era, brocaded silks like this were symbols of wealth and refinement, often produced in weaving centers such as Lyon or Spitalfields. The anonymous artisan's skill in layering colors and textures reflects the period's delight in elaborate decoration and natural motifs, evoking floral extravagance or playful asymmetry. Though a mere fragment, it hints at larger bolts destined for aristocratic wardrobes. Today, such pieces offer a tactile glimpse into 18th-century craftsmanship, highlighting silk's role in global trade and fashion. Visitors can appreciate how this survivor of time captures the tactile luxury that defined elite European life.