Large Canvas Painted After Beauvais, France, 18th Century

An important tempera painting on linen canvas, depicting the central motif known as the "Dromedary," from the famous Grotesque tapestry series on a Spanish tobacco ground, produced numerous times in the 18th century by the Royal Beauvais Manufactory. The composition is organized around a majestic peacock, displaying its plumage on a blue velvet draped entablature, surmounted by a richly flowered basin. The whole is framed by a fanciful trompe-l'œil architectural design, composed of pilasters, rocaille cartouches, and panels simulating pavilions, enlivened by acrobatic putti and musicians, characteristic of the repertoire of French grotesques from the end of Louis XIV's reign and the 18th century. This decorative vocabulary is in keeping with the tradition of compositions by Jean-Baptiste Monnoyer, widely disseminated by the Beauvais Manufactory during the 18th century, notably under the direction of Mérou, for the decoration of aristocratic and bourgeois interiors. The work is painted in tempera, with pigments absorbed by the linen fibers, giving the surface a matte appearance and a soft, muted palette. The palette, dominated by Spanish tobacco tones, blues, greens, and pinks, now displays a highly decorative antique patina, characteristic of 18th-century wall decorations. This canvas constitutes an independent decorative pictorial interpretation of a Beauvais tapestry design. According to the analysis provided by the Mobilier National – Gobelins Manufactory, it is a canvas painted after the tapestry, and not a preparatory cartoon for weaving. The absence of a grid, the freedom of the design, and the pictorial treatment confirm its decorative purpose, probably intended for wall use (painted hanging, interior decoration, or ornamental panel). In the lower left corner, an old painted signature is visible, now partially faded and difficult to read. It is likely that of the decorative painter or workshop that executed this canvas, although a specific attribution cannot yet be established. The reverse also retains an old handwritten inscription, probably an inventory or identification number. Condition: The old canvas shows creases, wear, minor fragility, and signs of age, without affecting the legibility of the design. It has a very striking wall presence and a strong decorative impact. Commentary: A rare example of the influence of the designs from the Royal Beauvais Manufactory, this large painted canvas offers a remarkable decorative alternative to woven tapestries, while retaining the elegance, ornamental richness, and theatrical spirit of the 18th-century grotesque repertoire, as validated by direct comparison with models preserved and documented by the Mobilier National (National Furniture Collection).