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176
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ATELIER DE LA MARCHE
See original version (French)
176
-
ATELIER DE LA MARCHE
See original version (French)
Estimate €18,000 - €20,000
Voluntary lot
Description
ATELIER DE LA MARCHE
(Creuse region, Aubusson and Felletin)
A rare wool and silk tapestry depicting wild and fantastical animals
A foliage design featuring aristolochia, known as ‘cabbage-leaf’.
Basse-lisse technique
Late 15th century–early 16th century
310 x 255 cm
Restored; in a remarkable state of preservation with colours retaining their vibrancy.
Tapestry lined and edged with braid
Note:
Antique tapestries with cabbage-leaf motifs blend remarkably well with certain contemporary interiors and with the decorative spirit of William Morris (the Arts and Crafts movement, which celebrates nature, repetitive plant motifs, craftsmanship and the richness of materials).
The composition is populated by a bestiary blending naturalistic animals and fantastical creatures, scattered amongst the large stylised leaves and tufts of vegetation.
The birds: several birds with beige and brown plumage are perched on the foliage (peregrine falcon) and rocks, notably in the top left-hand corner; and in the centre, on the right, two large birds with hooked beaks, resembling birds of prey, stand side by side on a rocky outcrop.
Of note is the finely drawn squirrel.
The fantastical quadrupeds (aurochs): in the foreground, several hybrid creatures have stocky bodies, wide-open mouths, exposed fangs and grotesque features.
Their pointed ears and expressions give them an almost demonic appearance.
The animals with monstrous heads: in the centre and towards the left, some creatures have prominent snouts and powerful jaws.
Others, partially concealed beneath the foliage, seem to be emerging from the vegetation.
The large tawny animal: on the right, a four-legged creature with an ochre coat, a powerful body and a massive head appears amongst the plants.
Its identity: a lion, a stylised feline or a mythical creature.
The small animal leaping in the central section moves amongst the broad cabbage leaves.
A medieval castle is particularly distinguishable amongst the forest trees and finely drawn mountains (suggesting the presence of the civilised world beyond this wild landscape)
The rocky outcrops, trees and successive layers of foliage give depth to the landscape and create an atmosphere of exceptional character.
The animal imagery blends with a decorative representation of nature.
The tapestry is framed by a wide floral border: blooming flowers, foliage and small plant motifs arranged in garlands of fruit surrounded by rabbits.
Motifs of vases and baskets of flowers punctuate the corners.
Source:
Jacqueline Boccara (Ames de laine et de soie, published by Éditions d’Art Morelle Hayot, page 67)
1) Cité Internationale de la Tapisserie, Aubusson
2) Mobilier National, Paris
3) Louvre Museum
4) Château de la Tremolière (Anglards de Salers, Cantal)
Expert: Mr Kassapian
See original version (French)
Auto-translation. Refer to original language for legal validity.
Pictures credits: Contact the Auction House
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