Aubusson
325 x 190 cm (10' 8" x 6' 3")
France, 19th century
Condition: very good, minor small repairs, slight signs of use
Warp: wool, weft: wool, silk and metal threads

So called 'entre fenetre', French literally meaning between the windows, were made specifically for covering the wall between openings. They could be commissioned with one or more large tapestries and, in combination with a weaving over the door, dress a room in one style with matching colors and similar or related motifs.
In the form of mimicking windows, they were made from the 18th century onwards, but peak times were in the 19th century. Often, they show vases with flower bouquets on the windowsill and more flowers in baskets hanging from above.
Our example excels by doing away with the basket and including elaborate draped curtains with the tassels and cords drawn in a naturalistic asymmetric way to enhance the illusion. The spandrels above the curtains are filled with openings suggesting daylight and the two blues are set in a way to that they can be seen three dimensional.
At the lower end we detect fringes which upon closer inspection reveal themselves as a woven trickery.
The weave is done in silk and wool but other parts are executed in gold thread furthermore enhancing the rich character of this luxurious tapestry.