Lot 89A
Europe, French, Rococo, ca. 18th century CE. An impressively large and exceptionally fine tapestry sewn to a satiny cotton fabric backing of golden hues from the Rococo period, depicting a leisurely outing for the four individuals featured in the foreground of the pastoral countryside setting, that once graced the walls of the Schonbrun Palace in Vienna. The name Schonbrunn means "beautiful spring," a sensuous name worthy of this remarkable textile work of art. We see all the trappings of French Rococo art, cotton candy pastel hues in shades of blue, pink, lavendar, and green against a golden ground, a relaxed and carefree scene of figures, including at least one couple, enjoying leisurely activities such as hunting and simply lolling about in the lavish outdoors, elements of architecture including stone bridges, cottages, and to the right a building with gargoyles adorning the exterior, all framed by an elaborate floral border. Characteristic of the Rococo period, the artist who created this piece used a delicate pastel color palette and curving forms, a relatively delicate approach that departed from the Baroque stylings of serious dramatic religious and historical themes. Akin to the great Rococo painters Jean-Antoine Watteau, Francois Boucher, and Jean-Honore Fragonard, this composition connotes the sensuousness and frivolity of the wealthy aristocratic class of the period. The word Rococo derives from the French rocaille (stone) and coquilles (shell) stemming from the Rococo taste for these objects in their decoration and the embrace of shell-like curves and ornament. Just imagine this tapestry in a typical Rococo interior with its elegant furniture, elaborate gilded mirrors, wall paintings, pastel painted walls with gold and silver reliefs, and sumptuous sculptures adding to the ambviance and exemplifying the synthesis of all the arts (Gesamtkunstwerk) of the period! Size: 83"L x 105"W (210.8 cm x 266.7 cm)
According to paperwork that accompanies the piece, "Schonbrunn Palace is a former imperial 1,441-room Rococo summer residence in modern Vienna, Austria. One of the most important cultural monuments in the country, since the 1960s it has been one of the major tourist attractions in Vienna. The palace and gardens illustrate the tastes, interests, and aspirations of successive Habsburg monarchs. In the year 1569, Holy Roman Emperor Maximilian II purchased a floodplain whre a former owner, in 1548, had erected a mansion called Katterberg. The emperor orderd the area to be fenced and put game there such as pheasants, ducks, deer and boar, in order to serve as the court's recreational hunting ground. Ina small separate area, "exotic" birds such as turkeys and peafowl were kept. Fishponds were built too. . .
Provenance: Ex. Tiernan Collection, Colorado, Purchased directly from Schonbrun Palace during renovation.sd
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#111219
- Condition: In superb condition with brass loops sewn to back for suspension. Expected wear with some fading, staining, and fraying, but overall in remarkably excellent condition.
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| $5,000 | $9,999 | $500 |
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| $100,000 | $199,999 | $10,000 |
| $200,000 + | $25,000 |