Medium
Wool and silk
Dimensions
H. 12 x W. 8 in. (approx.) (30.5 x 20.3 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
35.145.26d
Rights
Public Domain
Art Historical Context
This exquisite armrest tapestry, created between 1754 and 1756, exemplifies the opulent craftsmanship of mid-18th-century France Designed by the renowned Rococo artist Jean-Baptiste Oudry in collaboration with the Beauvaisufactory and weaver André Charlemagne Char, it is woven from luxurious wool and silk threads. Measuring just 12 by 8 inches, its compact size was ideal for adorning high-style furniture, transforming everyday objects into statements of refined taste. Oudry, a master of vibrant animal and pastoral scenes, brought his painterly flair to tapestry design at Beauvais, a royal manufactory rivaling Gobelins in prestige. During Louis XV's reign, such textiles embodied the Rococo era's playful elegance and love of nature motifs, often featuring lush landscapes or wildlife. The low-warp weaving technique allowed for intricate details and rich color gradations, showcasing the technical virtuosity of French artisans. A generous gift from John D. Rockefeller Jr. to The Metropolitan Museum of Art in 1935, this piece invites visitors to appreciate how decorative arts blurred the line between utility and fine art, reflecting the lavish interiors of Enlightenment-era chateaus.
About the Artist
Jean-Baptiste Oudry|Jean-Baptiste Oudry|Beauvais|André Charlemagne Charron · 1686–1755
Comment on works: Fish; Game; Dogs; Hunt scenes