Salesman's Sample
1780-1810
Silk, plain weave with supplementary patterning warps and supplementary patterning wefts; appliquéd with silk, plain weave; embroidered with silk floss and yarns in outline, satin, padded satin, single satin and stem stitches; French knots
27.3 × 27.7 cm (10.7 × 10.9 in)
SEE IT IN PERSON
Not currently on view
In the collection of Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago · as of July 2026
Discussion
FROM THE ART INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO’S CATALOG
The survival of thousands of small embroidery samples for men’s suits and coats indicates the scope and scale of the Lyonnaise embroidery workshops specializing in men’s fashion. Patterns were marketed both domestically in France and throughout Europe. Indeed, French taste so dominated European fashion that when foreign diplomats came to France, they felt obliged to buy the latest styles in Paris before they appeared at court.
Be the first to share your thoughts.
Sign in to join the discussion.
More by Probably France, Lyon
More like this
France — Panel
France, possibly Lyon — Salesman's Sample
England, Spitalfields — Panel
France, possibly Lyon — Salesman's Sample
France, Lyon — Length of Woven Silk
Anna Maria Garthwaite — Panel
England, Spitalfields — Panel (From a Dress)
Anna Maria Garthwaite — Skirt Panel for a Woman's Sack Gown
France — Skirt panel?
France, probably Lyon — Salesman's Sample (Waistcoat Pocket)
Made in China for the European/American market — Panel
England, Spitalfields — Panel