Aubusson Manufacture Tapestries

Manufacture Robert Four. "Baillée of the roses" silkscreen printed tapestry on woven wool after a 16th century tapestry.

Make a statement in your home with this large antique tapestry from France. Handwoven in Aubusson in the style of Boucher, circa 1750, thi...

A monumental Aubusson tapestry. Designed for the Villa Médy Roc in Cap d’Antibes (South of France), for which Maison Leleu was chosen to provide new furniture, lighting, and carpets...

La Jeunesse (Youth) Tapestry Polychrome wool and silk France, Aubusson, circa 1750 It measures 107.08 in height x 104.33 in (272 cm height x 265 cm). State of conservation: good The tapestry is accompanied by the engraving from which the subject was taken. The engraving measures 23.50 in x 25.86 in (59.7 cm x 65.7 cm) with the frame. The Aubusson tapestry has controversial origins: some believe that it was the Saracens who imported this type of work into Europe while other authors believe that the production began at the same time as the marriage between Louis I of Bourbon and Maria de Hainaut in 1310. It was at this time that a considerable importation of tapestries from Flanders into France began, followed shortly thereafter by the importation of their production techniques. At the beginning of the seventeenth century a royal edict from Henry IV halted the importation of Flemish tapestries, contributing to the subsequent Expansion of Aubusson production. The status of royal manufacture was to be granted only in 1665, even though the Nantes edict caused a drop in production because of the forced migration of weavers to Germany. The full recovery and the success of the manufacturing took place during the eighteenth century when the great painters and the tapestry manufacturers began to collaborate. Great French artists of the time and specialist painters, the “cartonniers”, painted “cartons de tapisserie” in oil or tempera, all of which were to be a source for the tapestries. As an alternative to the “cartons”, scenes taken from prints and engravings were freely used. The tapestry in question, made of wool and silk, is in good condition; the colors are still fresh and the silks, which give brightness to the scene, are well preserved. There are a small number of integrative restorations present, while the lining and the suspension system have been recently refurbished. The work is made with a flat-weave, according to the custom of the Aubusson manufactures, which is clearly demonstrated by this work since it shows all the technical and material characteristics typical of the first half of the eighteenth-century production: the “Jeunesse” was probably woven in the middle of the XVIII century. The scene itself is compelling: a rural clearing is depicted, centered around a tall tree with dense fronds with lance-shaped leaves. In the shade of this tree some scenes of courtship can be seen. A couple hugs each other, one is caught stealing a kiss and another, lying softly on the grass, is still at the early stages of courtship: together with the suitor the girl looks with smiling malice at the kissing couple. On the right, two young men practice archery while aiming at a target placed on top of a pole. The scene, with male and female characters intent on games and gallantry in a festive atmosphere, is taken - faithfully, but in mirror-image - from an engraving, which in turn was itself taken from the painting (now kept at the National Gallery in London, inv. NG103 and part of a series with the four ages of man) by Nicolas Lancret, produced around 1735. The tapestry is accompanied by a copy of the engraving, which bears, at the bottom, the name of the author (“N. Lancret pinxit”), the name of the engraver (“N. De Larmessin sculpsit”) and four short verses on the subject of love disputes: Pourquoi tous ces combats si chers a la jeunesse, Quels frivoles talents veut-elle mettre au jour? Non: chacun voudroit vaincre aux yeux de sa Maitresse, La Lice est une Scène ou triomphe l’Amour. Why all these fights so dear to youth, What frivolous talents does it want to bring to light? No: everyone would want to win in the eyes of his Mistress, The Lice is a Scene where Love triumphs. At the bottom we read: “A’ Paris chez N. De Larmessin graveur du Roy Rue de Noyer à la 4 (?) porte cochère a droite entrant par la Rue St. Jacques A.P.D.R. [Avec Privilège Du Roy]”. Nicolas Lancret (1690-1743), along with Antoine Watteau, was a pupil of Pierre Durin and Claude Gillot...

A pair of French Aubusson tapestries woven in the mid-19th century. Originally intended to hang between windows in a formal French salon, but today could be hung on walls anywhere. W...

Bring beautiful color to your home with this unique, antique Aubusson tapestry. Woven in France, circa 1760, the elegant tapestry features a young woman holding a torch with verdure ...

This grand French Aubusson Verdure Tapestry dates back to the 18th century and features an exotic landscape with mythical animals. A long legged bird forages amidst exotic blossoming...

French 19th century large Aubusson rug from the Napoleon III period. This Aubusson is handwoven and has a beautiful color range, consisting of a cla...

This tapestry from the mid to late 1600’s depicts the Forging of the Arms of Achilles. The figure on the right, Thetis, mother of Achilles, has commissioned armor for him to use in the Trojan War. Kneeling down with the helmet of Achilles in hand, is Hephasteus, God of fire, metal working, masonry, and blacksmiths. This piece was manufactured by Aubusson around 1670, based on the design by Issac Moillon (Painter of the King). Another tapestry like this can currently be seen in the Hospices of Beaune (Nicole de Reynie`s. Sylvain Laveissie`re. "Isaac Moillon (1614-1673), un peintre du roi a` Aubusson". Somogy, 2005, p. 158 a` 180.) A photo can be seen on the French Ministry of Culture website. Some fragments have been slipped in which are not perfect to the area’s scene, but, were perhaps part of the rest of this tapestry which was too damaged to use. The tapestry weavers who wove the faces, hands, feet and bodies of the people in tapestries were at the top in terms of skills. This weaver was superb in the depiction of all of the people. Note the delicacy of the hands of Thetis. For those who appreciate the truly old and beautiful without requiring perfect condition will cherish this 345 year old textile...

A French Aubusson early 19th century vertical tapestry with pastoral scene. Immerse yourself in the tranquil beauty of rural France with this early 19th-century French Aubusson tapes...

A stone's throw from the Eiffel Tower We are a family business specializing in the purchase, sale and expertise of old, modern and contemporary tapestries, rugs, kilims and textiles....

"Superb "exotic" Aubusson Tapestry From The Louis XVI Period" This superb and rare fine 18th century wool tapestry from Aubusson manufacture is a highly sought-after model. Decorated...

René Fumeron's "Contreour" tapestry, created around 1960 at Atelier Aubusson, is a remarkable artistic piece. Signed by the artist, it measures 110 x ...