18th C. French Hand Woven Aubusson Tapestry with Birds, Ruins, and Floral Border

$19,000

About

This exquisite antique tapestry was handwoven in Aubusson, France, circa 1760, and exemplifies the refined artistry and technical mastery for which this historic weaving center is celebrated. Rectangular in form and monumental in scale at 140 inches wide by 82.25 inches high, the composition presents a lush wooded landscape animated by exotic birds, blooming foliage, and romantic architectural ruins nestled in the distance. A flowing river with cascades adds depth and movement, while the presence of birds including cranes and parrots introduces a dynamic narrative within the tranquil setting. Rendered in a harmonious palette of soft blues, beiges, greens, and ochres, the scene is framed with its original floral border, typical of 18th-century Aubusson work, which features scrolling foliate and stylized motifs. The tapestry is backed with a protective white canvas and outfitted with hanging rings for secure and easy wall display. Aubusson, located in central France along the river Creuse, became a prominent center of tapestry production in the 17th and 18th centuries under royal patronage. Employing the horizontal low-warp loom technique known as “basse-lisse,” Aubusson artisans achieved remarkable pictorial detail and a sense of spatial depth, as beautifully evidenced in this piece. In excellent condition commensurate with age and use, this richly detailed tapestry would make an impressive statement on a grand staircase, in a formal salon, or as a focal point in an entry hall. A rare and decorative work of textile art that embodies the grandeur and sophistication of the Louis XV era.

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