AUBUSSON TAPESTRY DESIGNS (LOTS 171-192) Tapestry manufacture at Aubusson, in the Limosin region of France, developed from small family workshops recorded in documents from the 16th century. These numerous workshops were granted the title 'Manufacture Royale des Tapisseries d'Aubusson' by Louis XIV in July 1665, and manufacture continued until the end of the 19th century. The tapestries depended on full-scale cartoons draw up by highly skilled painters which were then implemented by the dyers and weavers into wall-hangings, sofa backs and seat backs. Designs typically included a background of verdure; flowers, figures and animals, and drew inspiration from the Bible, mythology and literature.

French School, 19th Century

La Dame à la Licorne: À mon seul désir

Details

French School, 19th Century
La Dame à la Licorne: À mon seul désir
bodycolour, on paper backed onto linen, on three sheets, unframed
74 x 91 in. (188 x 231.1 cm.)

If you wish to view the condition report of this lot, please sign in to your account.

View condition report

Lot Essay

The work offered above is a copy from a series of six tapestries entitled The Lady and the Unicorn originally woven in Flanders from cartoons drawn in the late 15th Century in Paris. Five of the tapestries depict the five senses, the sixth bears the inscription 'À mon seul désir' apparently representing love or understanding.

The tapestries were rediscovered in 1841 by Prosper Mérimée in Boussac Castle and since 1882, have formed part of the collection of the Musée de Cluny, Paris.

More from Christie's Interiors

View All