Upholstery passementerie 1750 - 1799

This is a length of upholstery passementerie created by Philippe de Lasalle, a textile designer in 18th-century France. The repeating forms of interwoven loops, repeated here in two rows, create a mesmerizing, almost hypnotic rhythm. These curving shapes remind us of the wave motif, which is a symbol that ebbs and flows across cultures. This motif, which has its origins in ancient Greece, and found in Minoan frescoes, often symbolizes the eternal and cyclical nature of life. Here, the stylized waves bring a sense of movement and continuity. We see this symbolism in ancient Greek pottery, where the wave pattern borders scenes of daily life and mythology. The repetition of the loops may unconsciously evoke feelings of security, reminding us of patterns from our childhood. It is through such persistent motifs that we can trace the enduring human need for order and beauty, manifesting in both the grandest artworks and the humblest decorative elements.