Neoclassical Toile de Jouy - Les Arts

This toile was designed in about 1816 for Jouy by Louis-Hippolyte Le Bas. It is roller printed on fine cotton.

'Toiles in the neoclassical style emerged in the last two decades of the 18th century. Their patterns reflect an aesthetic shift in the arts that responded to revolutionary stirrings and replaced rococo romanticism with classical stoicism. Pattern designers borrowed from the sculpture, bas-reliefs, vases and motifs of antiquity brought to light by the archaeological excavations at Herulaneum and Pompeii in the mid eighteenth century.' - Toile de Jouy French Printed Cottons - A V&A book by Sarah Grant

This latest aquisition is a bit tatty, but a wonderful reference piece. The four Arts are represented by four scenes, Sculpture by Pygmalian & Galetea, Music by Orpheus & Euridice, Drawing is illustrated by the myth of Dibutade and Architecture is represented by an architect showing a plan to a roman general, as yet these two characters have not been identified.

The second to last photo references the design in a purple colourway from the book: Toile de Jouy Printed Textiles in the Classic French Style by Riffel, Rouart & Walter.