Three curtains of green silk, woven in shades of cream and yellow silk, with a neo-classical style repeating pattern of medallions flanked by vine leaves and larger floral lozenges--112in x 41, trimmed with braid, lined; two matching curtains, the base with a matching border of palmettes--112in x 68in; a length of the same silk border--12in x approx 300in; all pieces worn, French, circa 1805 (7)

Details

Three curtains of green silk, woven in shades of cream and yellow silk, with a neo-classical style repeating pattern of medallions flanked by vine leaves and larger floral lozenges--112in x 41, trimmed with braid, lined; two matching curtains, the base with a matching border of palmettes--112in x 68in; a length of the same silk border--12in x approx 300in; all pieces worn, French, circa 1805 (7)

Provenance

Purchased in Paris in 1908 by the vendor's grandfather, Sir Courtenay Warner.

Lot Essay

These curtains were reputedly woven by the Lyon firm Grand Frères, although it seems more likely that they were woven by Camille Pernon whom Grand Frère did not succeded until 1807. They were commissioned by Napoleon for the "salon de famille" at the palace of St Cloud. Napoleon was given St Cloud in 1801 and furnished it with silks from Lyon in an attempt to revive the allying silk industry.

More from Costume and Textiles

View All