1792 Renée-Pélagie de Sade

Late 18th-Century French Design – Toile de Jouy à Compartiments, à médaillons

This design is a carefully developed toile de Jouy à compartiments, à médaillons, inspired by late 18th-century French printed cottons associated with Oberkampf & Cie., dated around 1792.

The pattern is composed as a dense, compartmentalised all-over design, where scalloped and medallion-shaped fields are arranged in a rhythmic layout across the surface. Each compartment contains a variation of decorative motifs — stylised florals, fruit, foliage, architectural elements, and small figural details — reflecting the richness and visual complexity typical of high-quality French indienne production of the period.

The repeat is intentionally non-directional, allowing flexibility in cutting and construction while maintaining visual balance across garments. The scale is historically grounded and optimised for wear, making the design particularly well suited for Spencer jackets, late 18th-century bodices, transitional Regency garments, and refined waistcoats.

For best results, this design performs exceptionally well on thin cotton-linen or voile, where the detail remains crisp without adding bulk — an ideal balance for lightweight outer garments.

Renée-Pélagie Cordier de Launay de Montreuil. Born in France, 1741, was the wife of the Marquis de Sade, married through a wedding of interest agreed upon by both families.

She followed her husband through the different prisons in which he was locked up. She did remain with him during his long confinement in the Tower of Vincennes and in the Bastille.

The couple had two sons, Louis-Marie and Donatien-Claude-Armand, and a daughter, Madeleine-Laure.