A Louis XV Aubusson tapestry, mid-18th century | Tapisserie d’Aubusson d'époque Louis XV, milieu du XVIIIe siècle

The Triumph is based on one of the many series of the 17th century, woven in France and Flanders, which had widespread popularity and depicted either allegorical or classical triumphs. The subjects followed the Renaissance tapestry series, in honouring the heroes of the ancient world, such as David, Caesar and Scipio. This fragment has design elements, such as the single figure, chariot and white horses, variations of which are used in the series of The Story of Titus and Vespasian and that of the Triumph of Caesar respectively. It does not related to the well known French weavings of The Story of Alexander, after Le Brun. In comparison to the Flemish triumph designs, the present design is pared back in details, which was usual for the Aubusson weavings. It can therefore be interpreted as a more generic Triumph. 

Similar Triumph tapestries include, A Flemish Tapestry, Triumphal Procession, probably Caesar Augustus or Marcus Aurelius, Brussels, 17th century, workshop of Leefdael, after Geraert van Der Strecken, Sotheby’s, London, 30 October 2002, lot 74. A Flemish Tapestry, Triumph of Scipio, Brussels, circa 1550, workshop of Heinrich Mattens, Maryland Museum (Acc. No. MSA SC 4680-30-0005) and another Triumph of Scipio, Northern Netherlands, workshop of Francois Spiering, possibly after Karen van Mander II, Private Collection, Palazzo Communale Cagliari. A Triumphal Procession from The Story of Titus and Vespasian, workshop of Leefdael, after Charles Poerson, late 17th century, and the design represents elements that were used in the Roman Triumph set out by the Renaissance artist, Guilio Romano. The present fragment therefore follows in a long established tradition of celebrating heroes.