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Tapestry
Jean-Baptiste Monnoyer, born 1636 - died 1699 - Enlarge image
Tapestry
- Place of origin:
France (woven)
- Date:
1700-1720 (woven)
- Artist/Maker:
Jean-Baptiste Monnoyer, born 1636 - died 1699 (designer)
Beauvais Tapestry Factory (manufacturer) - Materials and Techniques:
Tapestry woven in wool and silk
- Credit Line:
Presented by The Art Fund
- Museum number:
T.56-1955
- Gallery location:
In Storage
This tapestry was designed by Jean-Baptiste Monnoyer, an artist principally known for his still-life and flower paintings. He had first been engaged as a designer by the Gobelins Manufactory in 1666. In 1690 Monnoyer was given leave to travel to England, ostensibly to tour the country for several months. In fact, the artist would remain there until his death in 1699, carrying out commissions he received from wealthy English patrons.
The series to which this tapestry belongs was executed in the style of Jean Bérain I (1640-1711), and came to be known as the Bérain Grotesques.The subjects' unifying feature is the light-hearted revelry they exhibit. They include acrobats, minstrels, animal tamers, an elephant; and offerings to Pan and to Bacchus.
