Large French Handwoven Tapestry with Swan from Aubusson, 1950s

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Description

Discover the timeless elegance of this large early 20th century French Aubusson tapestry featuring a captivating design inspired by the … Read more Discover the timeless elegance of this large early 20th century French Aubusson tapestry featuring a captivating design inspired by the 18th-century verdure tapestries. This tapestry inspired from A swan attacked by a dog, a painting created by Jean Baptiste Oudry, a French painter (1686-1755).

« Oudry made an excellent living filling commissions for noble patrons, especially King Louis XV, whose favor he won by creating hunting scenes with realistic drama. Louis also appreciated Oudry’s “portraits” of his favorite hunting dogs, whose names were sometimes prominently inscribed in the paintings. Eighteenth-century critics interpreted Oudry’s animal paintings as if they were history subjects and judged them as they would scenes of human conflict and emotion. The artist was also much admired in his own day for his virtuosic handling of white-on-white areas, such as the feathers of the swan, which include a marvelous range of shades and tones. »

The tapestry depicts an animal scene set within a vast forest landscape, typical of Flemish and French verdure tapestries from the 17th and 18th centuries. The natural setting, filled with abundant vegetation, creates a deep, immersive environment where majestic trees, dense foliage, and nuanced colors ranging from green to blue-gray blend together. This rich and almost enchanting atmosphere gives the landscape a sense of both tranquility and mystery. In the foreground, the central episode unfolds: a white swan is violently attacked by an animal resembling a dog. The swan, its neck stretched forward and wings partly spread, appears startled and attempts to defend itself, while the predator leaps toward it with its mouth open. The dramatic tension of this confrontation contrasts sharply with the calmness of the surrounding scenery. This juxtaposition between natural beauty and animal violence is a common motif in tapestries inspired by hunting scenes or animal compositions. To the right of the scene, a stone fountain in a Renaissance style adds an architectural element to the composition. Its presence introduces a touch of elegance and human refinement amid the wild nature. The fountain, with its sculpted forms and delicate basin, contributes to the visual balance of the tapestry by guiding the viewer’s eye toward the background. Finally, various secondary elements enrich the scene, including a colorful bird positioned in the lower right corner. This detail, typical of verdure tapestries, brings additional life and diversity to the composition. Though discreet, these features enhance the impression of natural abundance and decorative refinement that characterizes this type of historical tapestry. Woven with precision in silk and wool at Aubusson manufacturing , using a low warp (basse lisse) loom characteristic of Aubusson craftsmanship. Admire the beautiful colors that bring this piece. Elevate your space with the artistry and heritage woven into every thread.

Dimensions: Height: 79.14 in (201 cm)Width: 118.12 in (300 cm)Depth: 0.28 in (7 mm) This piece is attributed to the mentioned designer/maker. It has no attribution mark and no
official proof of authenticity,
however it is well documented in design history. I take full responsibility for any authenticity



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