Luton Hoo - Bedrooms
Lot 2064:
Description
A Louis XIV Beauvais Tapestry, depicting ‚The Audience of the Emperor‘ (also known as ‚The Chinese Prince’s Audience‘), from the celebrated series The Story of the Emperor of China, woven in the late 17th Century after designs attributed to Jean-Baptiste Monnoyer, Guy-Louis Vernansal, and Jean-Baptiste Belin de Fontenay. This elaborate figurative tapestry presents a grand scene with exotic elements, executed in a style suggestive of late Baroque or Rococo Chinoiserie/Orientalism. The central composition features several figures, some in richly decorated attire including turbans, gathered on a patterned carpet before a majestic red-draped canopy or throne. Elaborate architectural structures resembling Oriental pavilions flank the central scene, with a camel and attendants visible on the left, and additional figures and still-life elements on the right. The sky contains birds and winged cherubic figures. The tapestry utilizes a rich palette of reds, blues, creams, and greens, and is constructed from woven fibers, likely wool and silk.
Condition report:
Good for its apparent age, exhibiting some expected fading and mellowing of colors. The weave is generally intact with no major tears or repairs immediately visible.
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