A Masterpiece of High-Gothic Revival
Offered here is an extraordinary hand-woven tapestry depicting King Louis IX of France (Saint Louis) as he embarks on the Seventh Crusade. This piece is a remarkable example of 19th-century "Grand Edition" weaving, utilizing the exact labor-intensive techniques and materials found in 15th-century museum masterpieces.
Fine museum-grade weave: 18-20 warp threads per inch, consistent with high-warp Gobelins production. Also, there is mark visible in selvage that appears to be a stylized "G"(see photos). The mark in the selvage points to a Manufacture Nationale des Gobelins provenance.
Iconography & Design:
The central figure is Saint Louis, identified by his royal crown, halo, and the striking red vestment adorned with a large crusader cross. He is flanked by eleven attendants—representing his inner circle of knights—holding the royal sword "Joyeuse" and the crusader standard. The entire scene is framed within a beautiful Gothic architectural portico, characteristic of the finest Brussels and Tournai workshops.
Materials & Craftsmanship:
This is a true "luxury" textile. Unlike standard tapestries, this piece features:
- Authentic Hand-Weaving: The reverse side (see photos) displays the "tails" and discontinuous weft characteristic of a hand-loomed work. It is not a machine-made Jacquard.
- Precious Metallic Threads: The gold and silver areas are woven with genuine metal-gilt threads. These threads are cold to the touch, non-magnetic, and offer a luminous shimmer that modern synthetics cannot replicate.
- Exquisite Border: The tapestry is finished with a wide, professional-grade velvet border that enhances its presence and protects the edges.
Condition:
The piece is in very good antique condition. It features a full protective lining on the reverse. The colors remain vibrant, and the metallic threads have a wonderful aged patina. (Please see detailed photos of both front and back).
Provenance & Importance:
This design likely stems from a historic 15th-century cartoon, recreated in the 19th century when workshops like Gobelins or Aubusson sought to revive the "Golden Tapestries" of the Middle Ages.