Aubusson Tapestry, 18th Century, "the Fortune Teller" - No. 1106

“The Fortune Teller”

Rare wall tapestry in wool and silk, woven at the Aubusson Manufactory in the 18th century, depicting a genre scene emblematic of the Age of Enlightenment: the consultation of a fortune teller.

The composition features a group of finely dressed figures gathered around the fortune teller as she interprets the lines of a hand. The scene unfolds beneath a large central tree that structures the composition, set against a refined architectural backdrop evoking a classical town or aristocratic estate. The presence of an animal and a child enhances the narrative and symbolic dimension of the work, reflecting the 18th century’s fascination with destiny, curiosity, and idealized everyday life.

The tapestry is distinguished by the quality of its weaving, the finesse of its drawing, and a soft, harmonious palette dominated by gentle blues, nuanced greens, and ivory tones. The floral-decorated border elegantly frames the scene and attests to the refined decorative tradition of Aubusson productions.

A large-scale decorative work, this tapestry exemplifies the exceptional craftsmanship of the Aubusson workshops and stands as a valuable testament to 18th-century French textile art, highly sought after by collectors and connoisseurs of decorative arts.