Marseille-style Quilt - Petassoun With Ruffles - Provence, Late 18th Century

Late 18th century
Provence

A precious Petassoun piece featuring embossed embroidery, or “Piqûre de Marseille,” dating from the late Louis XVI period or the French Directoire period. Backstitch embroidery using cotton strands to create a vermiculated effect between two layers of Indian cotton (commonly known as “vermicelle boutis”). The front is made of cotton batiste, and the reverse side, featuring visible strands, is made of fustian. The design is orderly and geometric, with a central rosette and exotic floral motifs in the four spandrels. A geometric frieze with a pyramid pattern runs along the border, which is ruffled with scalloped Indian muslin. White embroidery boutis had been a well-established art form in Provence since the 15th century, just as it was in England and Italy (Trappunto), it marked joyous occasions such as weddings or baptisms. In this case, this “Petassoun” was used to swaddle a newborn during the Directoire period! No flaws; the piece has been cleaned and is in pristine condition, with no holes or stains. Very good condition

Dimensions: 51 cm x 51 cm plus 5 cm of ruffles.