Jaquard-woven cotton-blend tapestry pillow. From Cornwall. 19" X 19".
The pleasures and labours of th field are represented in this striking tapestry cushion, original wall hanging bequeathed to the Cluny Museaum in 1950 by Mme Edouard Dolfus. Rural scenes like this were very fashionable after the end of the Hundred Years War, when the nobility sought peace and stability. Details of the costume suggest it was woven after 1505. Highly detailed weaving is given throughout this tapestry especially in the 'mille fleur' (thousand flowers) style, i.e. covered with tiny flowers, among which can be seen ragged robin, violets & primroses, and other wild flowers. The emphatically two dimensional and extremely decorated effect of this particular tapestry has made an important artistic contribution to the revival of tapestry making in the last century.