Design for a Lampas Silk with a Triumphal Chariot on a Cloud

This drawing contains a design for a military trophy, consisting of a purple and gold victory chariot on top of a shield and other weapons, the trophy rests on top of dark thunderous clouds. The chariot is decorated with an ermine fur textile, lined on the other side with a blue silk fabric, decorated with a pattern of fleurs-de-lis. The chariot is crowned by three exotic feathers and a laurel branch. The design represents the victory of the Russian Empire over the Turks and the resulting annexation of Crimea (1768-1774), and was meant for a lampas weave executed by the firm of Pernon for Empress Catherine the Great. The drawing is attributed to the famous designer of silk textiles Philippe de la Salle. Up until now, no works by this artist, either textiles or drawings, were present in the Museum's collection. The current designs is a freehand drawing rather than a mise-en-carte, required for silk weaving, and represents a stage before the manufacturing process by the Pernon firm. A specimen of the fabric is kept in the Museum of Textiles in Lyon, which has faded severely over time. The drawing therefore forms an important record of the vibrancy of the colors in the original textile.