Shawl
| Type: | Clothing - Garment |
|---|---|
| Object Name: | Shawl |
| Place Made: | Europe: Western Europe, Great Britain, Scotland, Paisley |
| Period: | Mid 19th century |
| Date: | 1860s |
| Dimensions: | L 315 cm x W 157 cm |
| Materials: | Wool |
| Techniques: | Jacquard |
| ID Number: | T92.0113 |
| Credit: | Gift of Margaret Cuvay |
This shawl shows a French all-over pattern at its peak. The architectonic layout (influenced by oriental rugs) combines medallions and powerful vegetal elements arranged to create a three-dimensional effect – a composition introduced by Antony Berrus, a famous French designer of the mid-19th century. The huge scrolling volutes and curving sprouts cover almost a quarter of the surface. The details are the most intricate ever produced by the jacquard machine and the length of the shawls (about 3.5 m) is also at a maximum. The design appears somewhat mechanical, but this was considered acceptable given the growing fascination with machinery and its products.
