A Beauvais tapestry depicting Alexander the Great and his raid. Very detailed and true to life made with shadows etc. Executed in wool and silk. C. 1700. 255×226 cm.
Reduced in size.
As part of a constant effort to promote French industry, Louis XIV's finance minister Jean-Baptiste Colbert founded the Beauvais tapestry manufactory in 1664. Although it was established under Colbert and subsidized by the state, the Beauvais works was a private enterprise run by a succession of entrepreneurs with varying degrees of success. Beauvais made tapestries for the wealthy bourgeoisie and nobility of France, as well as for export.
Antiques – Decorative art, furniture and carpets, 30 October 2025