U-2111 - French Landscape Tapestry probably Beauvais

Although not a product of the Royal Gobelins factory in Paris, this pictorial landscape tapestry is extremely fine with silk highlights.The French royal tapestry works in the Gobelins made masterpieces for the Crown. For the nobility and bourgeoisie, Beauvais was the source for attractive wall hangings in all sizes, degrees of fineness and subject matters. Rural scenes particularly appealed to urban collectors. Here two white geese cavort under a sandy bluff. The hillock is framed on each side by trees, one a blasted trunk, and topped by a picturesque rustic windmill. Realistically depicted flowers, overhanging grasses and luxuriant foliage give a summer air to the image. In addition, a startled bird, flies up to the right. The border is a trompe l’oeil gilt picture frame with corner bosses and low relief “carving”. The weave is quite fine and is executed in wool with copious silk details. Although Jean Pillement was probably not the designer of this particularly attractive piece, it is in his style and definitely of his period. The colors are harmonious and well preserved, including the yellows which are quite sensitive to prolonged exposure to light. 9'3 wide x 7'3 high