Tapestry
Wool
NO. 34489
France
12'5" X 18'0" (3.78 m x 5.49 m)
Log In to See Price
Available: Shipping as Soon as Tomorrow
Antique Signed French Jean-Baptiste Deshays Pictorial Tapestry - Rug & Kilim
Made with handwoven wool, this 12x18 antique French Beauvais tapestry represents an iconic museum-quality addition to Rug & Kilim's Tapestry Collection—an extremely collectible and rare exemplar of French narrative weaving, originating circa 1840-1849 from one of history's most celebrated royal manufactories.
On the Design:
This magnificent tapestry showcases the dramatic narrative capabilities of French royal workshops through its dynamic depiction of a classical scene from Homer's Iliad. Admirers of the craft will immediately recognize the exceptional artistic pedigree of this piece, designed by the talented Jean-Baptiste Deshays, son-in-law to the renowned François Boucher, and executed under the direction of André-Charlemagne Charron at the prestigious Beauvais manufactory. The design demonstrates remarkable theatrical energy, with the central warrior figure rising triumphantly amid a swirling battlefield scene. The sophisticated arrangement of figures creates diagonal movement and depth, reflecting both Baroque dynamism and the refined sensibilities of mid-18th century French academic painting. The scene depicts the dramatic moment when the mortal hero Diomedes wounds the goddess Venus during the Trojan War—a subject that allowed Deshays to showcase both classical erudition and dramatic tension.
The colorway exhibits the delicate palette characteristic of French royal tapestries of this period, featuring subtle ivories, pale blues, soft pinks, and golden accents that create atmospheric depth and luminosity. What distinguishes this extraordinary signed tapestry is its documented royal provenance and historical significance. The presence of the arms of France and Navarre in the upper margin confirms this as one of only three sets commissioned by the French government as diplomatic gifts. The piece represents a pivotal moment in French decorative arts when academic painting and textile production achieved perfect synthesis under royal patronage. Its connection to Arnold Seligmann's distinguished collection further enhances its provenance.
Condition:
This antique French tapestry further enjoys good condition for its age and origin—with only mild wear, though still best suited to exclusive use in wall-hanging projects and similar applications.
"Josh and his team have supported my interior design work, as well as my personal projects, for over 20 years. Their inimitable combination of creativity, personal attention, professionalism and joie de vivre are irresistible."
— Claire Fleming Peters, Fleming Peters
- Measurements: 12'5" x 18'0" ( 3.78 m x 5.49 m )
- Categories: 19th Century & Earlier, Antique, European, Tapestry, The Jahanshah Collection
- Classification: 19th Century & Earlier, Classic/Traditional, European, Pictorial, Tapestry/Textile/Wall Hanging
- Material: Wool
- Origin: France
- SKU: 34489
