Verdure Aubusson Tapestry, Early 18th Century

Verdure Aubusson tapestry, early 18th century

Dimensions: 2.52 mx 1.47 cm Materials: wool and silk

- Faithful to the tradition of Aubusson greenery, this verdant landscape resonates like a window open onto a teeming nature. This oasis of greenery, like a silent retreat that no human noise seems likely to disturb, brings together in a small space several elements considered by weavers as a symbol of rural happiness; a venerable tree bearing the weight of the years and sheltering abundant life, a quiet perched bird, flowering plants.

- The drawing is careful with a search for depth thanks to the succession of different planes. The perception of the volume of the foliage has been finely transcribed by light green tones juxtaposed with darker ones as well as by bursts of light introduced by touch, thanks to the use of golden yellow silk, at the ends of the leaves.

- Of infinite variety, greenery remains a constant in the production of the Aubusson workshops between the 17th and 18th centuries. If the exhibition of green nature is their main theme, their differences lie in particular in the quality of the design, the fineness of the weaving, their border. The tapestry we are looking at, a portiere, has a decorative border displaying motifs of flowers and foliage arranged in carefully composed garlands or scraps. The border element on the left side is different (flower motifs, goldwork), it has over time been retracted with great aesthetic concern so as not to compromise the harmony of the motifs and to guarantee homogeneous aging of the colors.

-As is. Restorations and wear, particularly in the lower part. Lined tapestry, fixing bar at the top.