"Scenes Galantes" Gallant Scenes Tapestry

French made, Jacquard woven with relief stitch. Fully lined with rod pocket for hanging.

65% wool with/cotton/rayon/polyester. 

All measurements are approximate.

This tapestry is from the series of hangings known as La Vie Seigneuriale (The Noblemans way of Life), which was woven in the Loire Valley in France around 1500. It depicts the activities of a lord and lady of the period at the time of Louis XII.

In a woodland setting, against a background of flowers and leaves, a style known a mille-fleures (Thousand Flowers), a lady is offered a sweetmeat from a box held by her page, while a couple are strolling towards them. The figures are dressed in the Italian style which was introduced into France after Charles VIII conquered Naples in 1495.

The original tapestry was purchased in 1852 from a noble family at Rouen in northern France, and is now at the Cluny museum in Paris.