Aubusson Verdure Tapestry

A large late 17th-century Aubusson verdure tapestry, finely woven in wool and silk, depicting a richly wooded landscape with tall, leafy trees framing a distant view of architectural buildings set amidst rolling hills. In the foreground, a dynamic hunting vignette unfolds: a hawk descends upon a game bird, probably a pheasant or peahen, amidst abundant flowering plants and verdant foliage. The outer border is composed of scrolling acanthus leaves and foliate strapwork, enriched with classical ornament in a palette harmonising with the interior scene.
This tapestry exemplifies the celebrated verdure tradition of the Aubusson workshops, whose productions were prized throughout Europe in the late 17th century for their atmospheric evocations of nature, balanced with narrative or allegorical detail. The careful graduation of greens, yellows, and blues reflects the subtle shading techniques developed by Aubusson weavers to create depth and perspective, while the inclusion of architectural elements in the background adds a sense of grandeur and idealised landscape.
Condition: Threadbare in areas consistent with age and use, particularly in the lighter passages of the sky, but retaining strong colour in the foliage and border.