FRANCE, LATE 18TH CENTURY

The late 18th century was a golden era for the new workshops at Aubusson. In a market where the commissioning of carpets had been the preserve of the Royal court, the Aubusson manufactory provided a new outlet. Within ten years of its foundation in 1746, the factory at Aubusson was supplying carpets for export to numerous foreign countries including America which was yet to achieve its independence (Madeleine Jarry, The Carpets of Aubusson, Leigh-on-Sea, 1969, p.25). At the same time the workshops of Aubusson also enjoyed Royal patronage; in 1786 twenty-one Aubusson carpets were recorded in the Royal apartments at Versailles. The subtle colouring and classic proportions of the present lot recall the neoclassical Louis XIV period. Aubusson carpets were particularly noted for their exquisite floral decoration which is seen here in abundance.