Antique Savonnerie carpet (France) – 369

Antique Savonnerie carpet (France) – 369

Period: 19th century
Dimensions: 320 x 440 cm

SKU: 369 Categories: ,

Description

Antique Savonnerie carpet (France)

Period: 19th century
Dimensions: 320 x 440 cm

Savonnerie is a French hand-knotted carpet manufactory, founded in Chaillot (Paris) in 1626 by S. Lourdet. In 1672, the existing Louvre workshop, owned by P. Dupont, under whom Lourdet had served as an apprentice, merged with the Savonnerie. The manufactory reached the peak of its glory in the second half of the 17th century, thanks to major orders from the royal court. The carpets’ decorative patterns drew inspiration from interior architectural decoration and contemporary painting. A range of motifs recur in Savonnerie carpets produced in the 17th and 18th centuries, including Greek frets, aristocratic coats of arms, mythological figures and musical instruments, generally against pastel backgrounds.
The Savonnerie was incorporated into the Gobelins manufactory in 1826.
This example of a Savonnerie carpet features classic colour combinations against a delicate background.
Exuding elegance, the oval central medallion comprises a series of frames, decorated with flowers and foliage, which enclose a painstakingly crafted, shell-like decoration, in which the chiaroscuro gives the impression of concave or convex forms, depending on the angle from which it is viewed.
The four corners of the central rectangle are adorned with generous bouquets of roses.
The geometric rigour of the piece derives from the double outer border, which frames a series of stylised designs, embellished with a rich garland of flowers and ribbons. These, in turn, envelop laurel crowns, which have the appearance of being suspended.

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