French Monument

1916–18

Not on view

These French printed toiles, or textiles, based on traditional French printed Toiles de Jouy, were intended to boost patriotism during World War I and incorporate various nationalistic and victorious symbols with roots in ancient classicism. These motifs—wreaths and trophies of weapons for victory, the fasces for strength in numbers, Phrygian caps for freedom, cockerels for France, and Marianne (the classically dressed Athena-like figure, the personification of the French people) for reason and liberty—are rendered in a manner both up-to-date and traditional, making them topical and movingly nostalgic.

Artwork Details

Object Information

Overview

Inscriptions and Markings

Provenance

Exhibition History

Title: French Monument
Designer: Unknown Designer
Date: 1916–18
Medium: Linen and cotton
Dimensions: 22 1/2 × 20 in. (57.2 × 50.8 cm)
Classification: Textiles-Printed
Credit Line: Gift of Frances Morris, 1946
Object Number: 46.35.3
Curatorial Department: Modern and Contemporary Art

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Designer Unknown Designer
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American Troops in France, Unknown Designer, Linen and cotton — American Troops in France
Designer Unknown Designer
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Textile sample, Unknown Designer, Silk — Textile sample
Designer Unknown Designer
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ca. 1900

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