Design for a Lampas Silk with a Triumphal Chariot on a Cloud 1765 - 1780

This is a design for a lampas silk with a triumphal chariot on a cloud made by Philippe de Lasalle. It offers us insight into the cultural values of 18th-century France and the social function of art. The imagery is one of luxury and triumph. Note the chariot, feathers, and flowing fabrics, all signs of wealth and status. Its creation was tied to the court of Louis XVI, in which Lyon silk industry thrived, producing luxurious textiles for the royal family and aristocracy. These designs weren't just decorative; they were powerful symbols of social status and political authority. De Lasalle was part of an artistic and institutional system that served the interests of the monarchy and the elite. But even within this system, artists could express their own creativity and challenge norms through subtle visual choices. To understand this design fully, we might examine court records, fashion trends, and the economic history of the Lyon silk industry. Only then can we appreciate how this seemingly simple design reflects the complex interplay of art, power, and society.