FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2026 
This Week in La Gazette Drouot : Gobelins Tapestry, “The Month of May,” a Gift to a Queen of Sweden
T his Gobelins tapestry, dedicated to the month of May, is part of the long history of the “Lucas Months,” a series of tapestries depicting the twelve months of the year, the designs of which have been woven several times at the Gobelins. It was once part of the Swedish royal collections.
By Vanessa Schmitz-Grucker
Read the full version of "Gobelins Tapestry: “The Month of May,” a Gift to a Queen of Sweden" in La Gazette Drouot
This lovely work evoking the month of May is part of the famous “Lucas Tapestries of the Months,” whose designs date back to the 16th century. Long attributed to the Dutch painter and engraver Lucas VanLeyden— from whom it takes its name—it is now believed to be associated with the circle of Bernaert Van Orley.
The Gobelins workshop began reproducing these compositions—originally woven in Flanders—in the late-17th century, adapting the borders and certain details in particular. The month of May is depicted as an aristocratic outdoor celebration. A noble lady riding side-saddle rides through a wooded landscape, surrounded by several figures and musicians.
The Gobelins workshop began reproducing these compositions—originally woven in Flanders—in the late-17th century, adapting the borders and certain details in particular. The month of May is depicted as an aristocratic outdoor celebration. A noble lady riding side-saddle rides through a wooded landscape, surrounded by several figures and musicians.
The medallion at the top bears the inscription “MAIVS” and depicts two figures associated with the sign of Gemini. Bouquets of flowers and foliage surround the central scene, while grisaille medallions feature profiles in the classical style. This combination of a figurative scene, flowers, classical profiles, and a zodiac sign is part of the decorative language developed around the “Lucas Months” in the tapestries produced at the Gobelins.
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Auction in preparation December 2 | 01:30 PM
Oeuvres choisies #2 : Tableaux anciens et modernes, Mobilier et Objet d'Art, Art d'Asie, Orfèvrerie et Tapis
Delon - Hoebanx
Hôtel Drouot - Salle 10, Paris
