18th-century Tapestry From The Royal Manufactory Of Aubusson - The Sacrifice To Jupiter - No. 1686

Tapestry from the Royal Manufactory of Aubusson, 18th century

The Sacrifice to Jupiter (Book X of The Adventures of Telemachus)

236L x 230H cm - Ref. No.: 1686

This magnificent tapestry has undergone a thorough cleaning, as well as being hand-backed with 100% linen fabric, and has been meticulously inspected by our experts in our artisanal workshop. It is now ready to adorn your home

This scene is taken from Fénelon’s famous didactic novel, *The Adventures of Telemachus* (published in 1699), which greatly inspired Aubusson cartoonists and weavers throughout the 18th century.

Context of the scene (Book X) As war is about to break out between the inhabitants of the city of Salente (led by King Idomeneus) and the allied peoples (the Mandurians), the king and his generals prepare to wage a bloody battle. To ensure victory, Idomeneus orders a solemn sacrifice in honor of Jupiter. It is during these preparations that Mentor (the goddess Minerva in disguise) intervenes to interrupt the ceremony and propose a peaceful resolution.
Iconographic Analysis of the Composition The composition is rigorously structured around the conventions of 18th-century history painting:
The Deity (Top Left): We recognize the bronze statue of Jupiter (Zeus), god of the gods, brandishing the thunderbolt. At his feet lies his traditional attribute: the imperial eagle.
The High Priest (Center): Wearing a ceremonial white-and-red drape, an elderly, bearded priest raises his arms toward the sky in front of the altar to invoke divine blessing.
The Offerings (Bottom left): A kneeling priest prepares the animal at the foot of the temple columns.
The Heroes (Right):
The bearded, crowned figure, clad in a red cloak, is King Idomeneus.
At his side stands the young Telemachus, depicted as a Roman captain wearing a classical cuirass and a large blue drape, supported in the background by his soldiers brandishing spears and banners.
This piece reflects the strong preference of the Louis XV and Louis XVI eras for Neoclassicism and moralizing mythological narratives.