Mise-en-carte (Point-paper) 1760 - 1790

This ‘Mise-en-carte (Point-paper)’ of unknown date was created by Veret, and it’s a design for woven textiles made using watercolor, gouache, and graphite. The grid structure underlying the floral design speaks to the industrial process of weaving, likely for a male dominated industry. Despite this, textile production was often a domestic activity, closely associated with women's labor and creativity. Textile designs like this one offer a window into the lives and artistic expressions of women, who were frequently excluded from formal art education and professional opportunities. The design of lush flowers, executed in rich colors, can be seen as both decorative and deeply personal. “A woman must not depend upon the protection of man, but must teach herself to protect herself,” said Susan B. Anthony, an idea that reflects the complex relationship between women, art, and society. Consider how this textile design allows us to reflect on the narratives of labor, gender, and artistry. The intersection of these themes, woven together, invites us to contemplate the personal and societal dimensions of creativity and identity.