Armrest

Art Historical Context

This exquisite armrest tapestry, created between 1754 and 1756, exemplifies the opulent craftsmanship of 18th-century French decorative. Designed by the renowned painter and tapestry artist Jean-Baptiste Oudry in collaboration with the Beauvaisactory—and possibly woven under André Charlemagne Charron measures a compact 12 x 8 inches, perfect for upholstering a chair's arm. Woven from luxurious wool and silk, its floral motifs bloom with Rococo elegance, capturing the era's love for nature's playful abundance. Beauvais, a leading French tapestry center rivaling the Gobelins, specialized in low-warp looms that allowed for vibrant, detailed designs ideal for furniture coverings like this armrest. Oudry, who directed Beauvais from 1736, infused his works with lively naturalism, drawing from his expertise in painting animals and flowers. Produced during Louis XV's reign, this piece reflects the height of Rococo taste, where sumptuous textiles adorned aristocratic salons, blending artistry with everyday luxury. A generous gift from John D. Rockefeller Jr. to The Metropolitan Museum of Art in 1935, this armrest invites us to appreciate how tapestries elevated furniture into high art, preserving the refined whimsy of Versailles-era France for modern eyes.

About the Artist

Jean-Baptiste Oudry|Jean-Baptiste Oudry|Beauvais|André Charlemagne Charron · 1686–1755

Comment on works: Fish; Game; Dogs; Hunt scenes