Tapisserie fleurdelisée aux Armes de France
Tapestry from the Aubusson Royal Manufactory
Woven in wool and silk (wool warp, wool and silk weft)
18th century, Louis XV period
Description
The arms of France (gold fleurs-de-lis on an azure background), supported by two angels, stand out on a deep navy blue background decorated with old gold fleurs-de-lis arranged in a repetitive manner. The arms of France are surrounded by the collars of the order of Saint Michael (order founded by King Louis XI) and the order of the Holy Spirit (order founded by Henry III). The tapestry is framed by a superb gold and brown border decorated with royal attributes. In the upper corners of the tapestry are vessels under sail. In the lower corners, the king's figure: two Ls for Louis. This figure is found in the centre of the side borders in a different character. The Louis XV period for this piece was chosen because of the auricular and asymmetrical shape of the support of the arms of France. This tapestry certainly comes from a provincial parliament, perhaps from a port city.
