19th Century Brussels Tapestry with Flowering Verdure and Gallant Scene

Details

Description

A remarkable Belgian needlepoint tapestry from the early 19th century, inspired by the great tradition of 16th and 17th-century Flemish … Read more A remarkable Belgian needlepoint tapestry from the early 19th century, inspired by the great tradition of 16th and 17th-century Flemish and Brussels verdure tapestries.

This magnificent piece is remarkable for the fineness of its quarter-stitch work and the richness of its composition. It features a superb, abundant decoration teeming with plants and animals, and has retained remarkably fresh colors. It is in perfect condition and is sold with its hanging system.

The particularly abundant composition is organized around a central, pastoral, and gallant scene depicting three elegant female figures in a wooded landscape, enhanced by architecture in the background. This scene is enveloped by lush vegetation that unfolds across the entire tapestry in a remarkable profusion of flowers, foliage, and plants.

The exceptional charm and richness of this work lie in its extraordinary bestiary. Numerous birds, small mammals, and more fantastical or exotic animals are hidden and mingled among the abundant bouquets and scrolling foliage. Some emerge from the flowers, others take their place among the branches, giving the whole an impression of lush, almost enchanted nature. This combination of abundant flora and a diverse bestiary is characteristic of the tradition of large Flemish verdure tapestries.

A particularly refined execution
The quality of this tapestry lies primarily in its extremely fine needlework.

The animals, as well as the entire central scene, are executed in quarter stitch, a particularly meticulous technique that allows for great finesse of drawing and remarkable precision in the smallest details. The faces, figures, costumes, animals, and certain elements of the landscape thus benefit from exceptional definition.

This use of quarter stitch is one of the tapestry's most remarkable features: it demonstrates exceptionally meticulous craftsmanship and allows for the delicate rendering of expressions, costume details, plumage, fur, and numerous decorative elements.

The tapestry is also surrounded by a wide, richly ornamented floral border, composed of flowers, foliage, and plant motifs on a dark background, which frames and highlights the central composition. See less