46 - IMPORTANT TAPESTRY from the Royal Manufactory of Aubusson

IMPORTANT TAPESTRY from the Royal Manufactory of Aubusson France Based on a painting by Jean Baptiste Oudry (1731), now in the collection of the Geneva Museum of Art and History (inventory no. 1953-0015) Probable workshop: Pierre Dumonteil (a merchant and weaver active in Aubusson between 1732 and 1787) or a related family workshop (Jacques Dumonteil) Circa 1750 A dog fighting a swan In wool and silk The wooded landscape is characterized by lush vegetation and very dense tree foliage typical of Aubusson “Verdures,” with a heron or stork (a wading bird) in the foreground on the right, gazing at a circular temple with neoclassical colonnades and a dome. Notable is the statue of a marine deity—a nymph of the springs or Amphitrite (goddess of the sea)—symbolizing the Allegory of Water. On the left, a hunting dog (a pointer or spaniel) is seen attacking a swan, and in the background, a fountain near an exotic tree on which a colorful parrot is perched. The border, known as a “gilded frame,” features a frieze decoration composed of a prominent faux molding imitating the picture frames of the Louis XV era; the weaver has incorporated a motif of stylized godrons (elongated ovals) alternating with simplified acanthus leaves. The interplay of cream and light yellow wool threads, juxtaposed with warm brown and fawn shades, creates a relief effect reminiscent of gold leaf when caught in the light. The border fillets: this trompe-l’œil gilded molding is highlighted along its outer and inner edges by fine braids or fillets in contrasting dark brown and brick-red, which accentuate the picture-frame effect. Louis XV period 259 x 428 cm (re-lacing, restorations, oxidation and wear; remarkable freshness of colors)