Antique French Beauvais Tapestry From the Late 17th Century

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This is a large, horizontal fragment of a late 17th century Beauvais tapestry. Beauvais tapestry manufacture was one of the … Read more This is a large, horizontal fragment of a late 17th century Beauvais tapestry. Beauvais tapestry manufacture was one of the most well known tapestry workshops in France. Beauvais was a private enterprise which made glorious tapestries at the special commissions of nobility and wealthy bourgeoise clients. The Royal Gobelins tapestry manufacture on the other hand, only executed tapestries for the King. Beauvais was known for its low warp (horizontal) weaving and the quality was equal to that of Les Gobelins.

The motifs of this particular tapestry are dense, rich, and extremely detailed. There is a border full of foliage, multi-colored floral motifs, and scrollwork. The center medallion depicts a profile from antiquity. He is crowned in laurel leaves and surrounded by a garland of flowers. Moving away from the center medallion are acanthus leaves, a mask of love, quivers and arrows, a sign with a Roman bust, torches, a winged horse and more! This stunning Beauvais fragment will be magnificent wherever it is placed. See less