Piece 1770

This textile piece was made at the Oberkampf Manufactory in France, sometime between 1760 and 1843. It's printed with a pastoral scene in red dye. The idyllic imagery speaks to a cultural fascination with rural life that was popular among the French aristocracy. These images, though, were far removed from the realities of peasant life. The print also demonstrates the institutional power of the textile industry during this period. Manufactories like Oberkampf were major economic players, employing thousands and shaping fashion trends. The visual codes used here – the idealized figures, the carefully arranged flora – project a vision of harmony and plenty, subtly reinforcing the status quo. Understanding this piece requires us to look beyond its surface beauty. We must delve into the social and economic conditions of its creation, using historical records and critical analysis to uncover the complex meanings embedded within the fabric.