"l'art d'aimer" The Pleasant Lesson or The Art of Loving. Printing on cotton with copper plate. Made by Petitpierre Frères, Nantes, c. 1785-1790
This is such an outstanding piece! You can find the print in red but I have only ever seen one very small piece in the purple before, so this is really so great! Most likely part of a bed set. Originally all hand sen with some later modifications made by machine. Sewn on three sides and cut on bottom. So much amazing detail even with the monotone copper printing! You can almost feel the wind lightly blowing the wheat as the young lovers lay tucked behind with the man peering over them. A very packed motif with so many individual scenes. Boats on the water, ruins, farm life, cherub's, love and so much more. You could study it for days and discover new wonderful elements! Lovely crisp cotton with an aged white ground and creamy linen/cotton lining on back.
Photo with the purple kelsch shows a purple kelch duvet listed separately. The two would be wonderful used together either as is or deconstructed for pillows, curtains or many other sewing or home decor projects.
Condition: Lovely condition for age and use. Some areas of light background yellowing or staining. See last phot for example. You only really notice if you are close up. The backing is in good condition some spots and light yellowing. One small hole on print at very bottom. It is in clean enough condition that I would use as is, but your choice. No bad odors and really quite lovely as is.
The width is sewn from 3 full panels.
Approximate measurements : 99" wide X 50" long