"Four Parts of the World" 1783 - 1793

Jean-Baptiste Huet I designed this cotton panel, “Four Parts of the World,” printed in France in the late eighteenth century. These decorative textiles found a ready market in France and abroad and offer a glimpse into the social history of the period. The imagery combines exotic animals and people from different continents, filtered through a European lens. The scenes reflect the growing fascination with the wider world as trade and colonialism expanded, but they also perpetuate stereotypes and hierarchies. Consider the idealized depictions of people from different continents, the focus on exotic wildlife, and the overall sense of European dominance. Textiles like this were not simply decorative items, they were also active participants in shaping cultural attitudes and reinforcing social norms. Delving into trade records, colonial archives, and design history helps us understand the complex interplay between art, commerce, and cultural exchange in the 18th century.