Armchair back
Medium
Wool and silk
Dimensions
H. 29 x W. 24 in. (approx.) (73.7 x 61 cm)
Classification
Textiles-Tapestries
Culture
French, Beauvais
Department
European Sculpture and Decorative Arts
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Gift of John D. Rockefeller Jr., 1935
Accession Number
35.145.26a
Rights
Public Domain
Tags
Art Historical Context
This exquisite *Armchair back*, woven between 1754 and 1756 at the renowned Beauvais tapestry manufactory in France, showcases the masterful designs of Jean-Baptiste Oudry a leading Rococo artist celebrated for his lively depictions of nature. Collaborating with weaver André Charlemagne Char, Oudry adorned this panel—measuring 29 x 24 inches—with vibrant motifs of birds and flowers, the playful elegance of mid-18th-century French decorative arts. Produced during the lavish reign of Louis XV, exemplifies Beauvais's specialty in creating sumptuous upholstery for furniture, rivaling the grandeur of royal Gobelins tapestries. Crafted from wool and silk, the tapestry employs intricate weaving techniques that yield rich textures and enduring colors, allowing the birds to seem almost poised to take flight amid blooming flora. Rococo style shines through in its delicate naturalism and asymmetry, reflecting a cultural shift toward intimate, nature-inspired luxury in aristocratic homes. A generous gift to the Metropolitan Museum of Art from John D. Rockefeller Jr. in 1935, this piece invites visitors to appreciate how textiles transformed everyday seating into statements of refined taste and artistry.
About the Artist
Jean-Baptiste Oudry|Jean-Baptiste Oudry|Beauvais|André Charlemagne Charron · 1686–1755
Comment on works: Fish; Game; Dogs; Hunt scenes