Verdure Aubusson Tapestry Door, Early 18th Century

Portière Verdure Aubusson tapestry, early 18th century
 
Dimensions: 2.50 mx 1.48 cm Materials: wool and silk

 - Faithful to the tradition of Aubusson greenery, this verdant landscape resonates like an open window onto abundant nature. This oasis of greenery, like a silent retreat that no human noise seems to have to disturb, brings together in a small space several elements considered by the weavers as a symbol of country happiness; a venerable tree bearing the weight of the years and sheltering an abundant life, a perched quiet bird, flowering plants, a body of water in the background, the suggestion of an undergrowth which continues as far as the eye can see.

 - The drawing is neat with a search for depth thanks to the succession of the different plans. The perception of the volume of the foliage has been finely transcribed by light green tones juxtaposed with other darker ones as well as by flashes of light introduced by touch, thanks to the use of golden yellow silk, at the ends of the leaves. These keys of light also make it possible to guide the direction of reading; its sunbeams penetrate the greenery from the left.

- Of an infinite variety, greenery remains a constant in the production of the Aubusson workshops between the 17th and 18th centuries. If the exposure of a verdant nature is their main theme, their differences reside in particular in the quality of the design, the fineness of the weaving, their border. The tapestry that we observe, a door, has a decorative border deploying motifs of flowers and foliage arranged in garlands or carefully composed falls. The border element on the left side is different (flower patterns, goldsmithery), it has over time been returned with great aesthetic concern so as not to compromise the harmony of the patterns and guarantee an even aging of the colors.

- Good state of conservation. Tapestry lined, tack tape sewn on top cuff.