French Aubusson Silk Tapestries 1820-1840

French Aubusson Silk Tapestries 1820-1840 * French Early 19th Century circa 1820-1840 * Aubusson(1) Silk tapestries (central France) * Original condition * Colours and detail remain particularly good * Some wear and fading commensurate with age * Original oval frames stripped back to the gesso * Composite leaf moulding Dating from the early 19th century this enchantingly bucolic pair of Aubusson silk tapestries of a young boy and girl in a garden scene the boy holding a chicken and girl with wheelbarrow and plants is in original condition. The colours and detail are particularly good considering the passage of time and exposure to light etc although there is some fading and wear commensurate with age. They are contained within their original frames which have been stripped back to the gesso and composite laurel leaf moulding. (1) Aubusson tapestries have a rich history that dates back several centuries. Today, the Cité Internationale de la Tapisserie in Aubusson houses a large collection of these exquisite tapestries, preserving their cultural heritage for generations to come. Aubusson tapestry is manufactured in Aubusson, a town located in the upper valley of the Creuse River in central France. The term “Aubusson” often encompasses similar products made in the nearby town of Felletin, whose tapestries are also treated as part of the Aubusson tradition. The industry likely began developing soon after 1300, with looms operating in family workshops. Some historical documents from the 16th century mention Flemish weavers who may have been involved in the early production of Aubusson tapestries. By the 18th century, Aubusson tapestries managed to compete with the prestigious Gobelins tapestry produced by the French royal manufacture and the privileged position of Beauvais tapestry. Although not always considered equal to these counterparts, Aubusson tapestries held their own. Aubusson tapestries often relied on engravings as design sources. Low-warp tapestry-weavers worked from scale drawings based on these engravings. The tapestries typically featured figures set against a background of verdure (stylized foliage) with vignettes of plants, birds, and glimpses of towers and towns. In the 19th century, reproductions of earlier pieces, furniture covers, and floral tapestry carpets sustained the industry. After World War II, Aubusson experienced a revival in tapestry weaving. Notably, designer Jean Lurçat moved there in 1939, contributing to the town’s artistic tapestry legacy. One of the best French tapestries from the 1950s is “Le Bouquet” by Marc Saint-Saens, celebrating scenes from nature and rustic life.