My Faux French Chateau: Antique French 18th Century Red Toile de Jouy Fabric?

When I think of French fabric, I immediately think of "Toile."

Toile de Jouy, (French: “fabric of Jouy”: ) also called "Jouy Print" or simply "toile", cotton or linen printed with designs of landscapes and figures for which the 18th-century factory of Jouy-en-Josas, near Versailles, Fr., was famous. The Jouy factory was started in 1760 by a Franco-German, Christophe-Philippe Oberkampf. His designs were printed originally from woodblocks alone but from 1770 from copperplates as well, this innovation having been anticipated in England in 1757. (Definition from Encyclopedia Brittanica.)

When toile fabric was first made in France, beautiful scenes featuring the French countryside were predominant. These motifs showed people at work and at leisure. Hunting scenes, which depicted a favorite pastime of the well-to-do, were often depicted in early toile fabrics. To this day I smile when I see a red and white toile! They just make me happy.

One of my favorite items that I bid on and won at Auction a couple of weeks ago was an antique French Toile de Jouy coverlet!

When I first saw it I fell for the raspberry and white color and then the pattern wowed me. I've been researching the fabric in an attempt to identify, date and, of course, price it for the store. The coverlet is 74" in length and 54" wide and then has a scalloped side drop of 35".

I found what looks to be a piece of the same or very similar fabric on the internet with a description of:

"This textile is a wonderful, Antique French toile dating 1790~ ~

~Beautiful! ~*~ this lovely textile is a lightly quilted 18th century, French toile textile, dating 1790. The printed toile is titled " l'art d'aimer" and was printed 1785-1790 by Petitpierre~*~ This fabric was printing using copper plates printing and used and aluminum mordant to produce this wonderful raspberry red tone." (Quoted from the ebay website of Antique Vintage European Textiles)

I've also e-mailed a French fabric "expert" to help me identify the fabric. She requested that I send her pictures of the different scenes represented in the fabric. Here are a few of my favorite pastoral scenes depicted in the fabric described above. When I have more definitive information about my coverlet, I'll be sure to update you!

I like the quaintness of the wording of what appears to be a sign on the brick wall or fence above. "L'Agreable Lecon." I believe this means "The pleasant lesson."

Two Cherubs fishing with a basket full of their "catch" at their feet.

Here are some lovely rooms and "items" that show the beauty and countless uses for Toile de Jouy fabrics and designs.

A beautiful blue and white toile on French chair and dramatic, flowing drapery.

(Photo courtesy of Pierre deux)

This coverlet looks almost exactly like the one that I purchased! The coverlet design is the same although the toile is a different pattern.

(Photo courtesy of House and Garden)

I couldn't resist showing you this lovely room (even though just a little of the toile fabric on the daybed is shown!) This is a great inspiration photo for Christmas. Copying is a great form of flattery, isn't it?

(Photo courtesy of Veranda Magazine)

Toile was often used on the interiors of cabinets. I love the white ironstone collection.

(Photo courtesy of House Beautiful)

Beautiful toile on the window treatments and chair cushions!

(Photo courtesy of House Beautiful)

The blue chinoiserie toile on a white background in this room is fresh, calming, airy and pleasing.

(Photo courtesy of Veranda Magazine)

I love this room. I love the softness of the draped round table, the slip covered armchair, and the touch of pattern added to the room by the multi-panel toile fabric screen and the faux giraffe print rug.

(Photo courtesy of House Beautiful)