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May 24, 2010
Magnificent French Antique Currently For Sale On eBay
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Magnificent French Antique
Tapestry - The Glory and Magnificence of Aubusson
Situated in the Limousin region of France on the banks of the River Creuse, the Aubusson Tapestry Works are some of the best of their kind in the world. The factory originated in the fourteenth century probably through Flemish weavers developing the craft both at Aubusson and nearby Felletin.
Local Production
The distance between the Flemish and Parisian Tapestry Works and the craftsmen at Aubusson meant that production was limited to clients in the local area. Tapestries produced here tended to feature a lot of verdure or greenery, mythological and religious subjects and were exquisitely detailed in a flat weave technique. Producing local tapestry meant they were often used in practical house furnishings and could be manufactured relatively cheaply, and these were coarser in nature.
The weavers began to seek new development opportunities and became travelling salesmen, offering wares and bringing in lucrative commissions for the factory. Work became more sophisticated and detailed and was carried out in the family workrooms. Designs were taken from engravings and sometimes adapted on to paper and transposed to the loom. Colours were usually selected by the craftsman, and in this way the factory flourished with the advances in expanding commerce.
Developing Luxurious Tapestries
During the sixteenth century wars and religious conflict had a negative impact on the Aubusson Factory and business slowed. The area was predominately Calvinist and therefore many families who might have purchased the work left the country. When Henry IV came to the throne his priority was to recover the large amount of debt incurred through war and conflict. This included a limit on imports to France and as this prevented Flemish tapestries from entering the country, Aubusson saw the opportunity to develop their product and increase their former prosperity. Customs and excise duties were lifted on Aubusson tapestries when entering Paris which enabled the workers of Limousin to compete with the Paris workshops. The elaborate verdure designs continued with country scenes and very typically large flowered or large leaved plants such as poppies or tobacco plants. Flowing rivers, hunting scenes, foxes, falcons retained their popularity with many of the nobility. Some religious subjects were also in demand as the factory flourished. Work such as three panels depicting the Life of St Saturnin was designed for the church of Saint Mainboeuf in Angers. Mythological subjects were not as popular during the sixteenth century, however have appeared in Aubusson pieces as popular stories. Achilles and Coriolanus were themes appearing frequently in some of the designs.
A limitation to the Aubusson work was the lack of a painter and dyer, and sometimes designs were known to have been copied from the Gobelins factory. The intention to plagiarise was not intended, more a need to diversify and offer a wide selection of designs.
The Growth of Local Talent
In 1665 the Aubusson Works was finally granted an official charter effectively giving them royal status. The Aubusson mark was abbreviated to MRD meaning Manufacture Royal Daubusson and was woven into each tapestry. The need for a competent painter persisted and combined with the political move concerning the Revocation of the Edict of Nantes led to instability at the factory. Most families in the area were Calvinist and chose to migrate.
With recognition that the Aubusson Factory was at risk of closing, a painter was finally appointed and following a number of successive appointments eventually led to a drawing school being established at Aubusson to grow talent locally. It is thought that the 1750's were amongst the finest period at Aubusson as new energy and ideas led to elaborate pastoral designs and landscapes with animals. Finely woven they continued to delight and grace many wealthy homes and palaces. Figurative panels such as the Story of Don Quixote or the well known verdures the Dessins de Flandres are among the most prolific of the designs to emerge from this increasingly vibrant and specialist environment. The Chinese Scenes were another renowned Aubusson production, reflecting the increasing curiosity and interest in oriental matters at the Royal Court and a potential for diverse ideas in the decorative arts field.
The French Revolution saw a number of tapestry factories close as the desire for elaborate design declined. Once the instability was over the workers sought to redevelop and grow the expertise at Aubusson. This included a National School of Decorative Arts being established in the area to ensure new ideas and creative thought was continuing to be developed. A factory continues today in the town of Aubusson where local tradition and tapestry craft work continues.
About the Author
Angela Dawson-Field writes extensively on art, history and medieval
tapestry wall hangings
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The Tapestry House
Massive Antique French Brass Cartel Clock actually rings the bell
Magnificent French Antique Currently For Sale On eBay.
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 Magnificent French Antique Louis XV sideboard w marble  US $4,450.00
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Magnificent Molas: The Art of the Kuna Indians List Price: $45.00 Sale Price: $29.18 Used From: $22.50  |
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This book has hardback covers.Ex-library,With usual stamps and markings,In good all round condition.Dust Jacket in fair condition. |
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