18th Century French Aubusson Tapestry Called "Le Saute-Mouton" by j.b. Huet

Description

This beautiful antique tapestry was woven in Aubusson, France, circa 1760. Square in shape, the colorful piece depicts a French … more This beautiful antique tapestry was woven in Aubusson, France, circa 1760. Square in shape, the colorful piece depicts a French game scene with young boys playing "Le Cheval Fondu" (also known as leapfrog), a very popular children game in France. The tapestry was originally designed by Jean Baptiste Huet (hich was part of his series "Les Amusements Champetres". The pastoral amusement known in French as "Let Amusements Champetres", is a series of tapestries designed between 1720 and 1730 by Jean-Baptiste Oudry for Noel-Antoine de Merou, then director of the Royal Beauvais Tapestry Manufactory. The first production of the designs took place at Beauvais in 1731. After enjoying huge success the series was later adapted and further developed at Aubusson by Jean-Baptiste Huet. Reference page 217 in the book "les belles heures de la tapisserie by Dario Boccard (see last 2 pictures). The scene includes a farmhouse, a bridge with a fisherman, a church in the background and tall trees with foliage. The mom is watching from her front door while the youngsters are at play. The piece is in excellent condition with a rich blue and beige color palette and intricate design details.
Measures: 83" W x 83" H less