Tapis au point de la Savonnerie de la manufacture d'Aubusson d'époque Louis XVI

orné au centre d'un médaillon à rosace, dans un entourage de fleurs sur fond tabac et rinceaux feuillagés dans les angles, ceint d'une bordure à entrelacs ; (restaurations)

Galerie Aveline, Paris

Colours match with the photograph. Reweavings on the borders and restorations in some places, as visible on the image. The weaving is quite thick and corresponds to a late period of the 18h century. The four stars at the centre of the carpet were rewoven, probably at the time of the Revolution, in order to replace the fleur-de-lys which had become an inappropriate symbol. Please read the Sale Room Notice.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Please note that this is actually a Savonnerie carpet, woven circa 1780, following a cartoon designed by Pierre-Josse Perrot made in 1739-1740 for the Salle à manger of the King at Fontainebleau.

It was described in this way by the garde-meuble :
 « Un tapis de laine d’ouvrage de la Savonnerie, fond brun, avec agraffes bleues aux coins et cartouches couleur de bronze, à rainceaux de différentes couleurs ; celui du milieu à quatre fleurs de lys et est entouré d’une guirlande de fleurs au naturel »

This model which was very sought after was woven on several other occasions throughout the 18th century. Approximately 16 carpets like this were woven, one of which was for Choisy and another for « pour Mesdames, à la chapelle de la Vierge » in  Versailles and which is being kept today at musée Nissim de Camondo (Paris). Three more are being kept today at Waddesdon Manor.

It needs to be pointed out that the four stars at the centre of the carpet were rewoven, probably at the time of the Revolution, as the fleur-de-lys had become an inappropriate symbol and which at this time was being removed and replaced.

Pierre-Josse Perrot was working as a draughtsman at the Savonnerie from 1725 to 1750 and was the initiator of a rich style of beautiful bright colours accompanied by royal emblems such as shells, fruits and flower garlands.