Tapestry, Africa, wool and silk on cotton, produced by Charles Sallandrouze de Lamornaix after a design by Jean-Baptiste Amedee Couder, Aubusson, France, 1855

Tapestry woven in wool, cotton and silk, and showing an allegory of 19th century Africa. The tapestry is filled with a trophy of a lion-skin draped over a shield with an elephant's tusk, spears, one of which pierces an exotic bird, a golden ewer, shells, a snake, an ostrich egg, feathers, jewels and a chain with open manacles. Flanking the trophy are tall stems of corn and carved seated figures which are part of the architectural framework in terracotta covered with blue 'hieroglyphs' which form the border. The background is of a greenish-cream, and pale green and brown are the predominant colours. Woven in wool and silk on a cotton weft, 18 to 20 warp threads to the inch.

From a set of continents. Identical with one of the four allegorical paintings in the Grand Staircase at the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden. The paintings are unattributed.

Our records are informed by research done by Jean-Francois Luneau and Bruno Ythier - publication of their research is forthcoming.

Tapestry produced by Charles Sallandrouze de Lamornaix after a design by Jean-Baptiste Amedee Couder, Aubusson, France, 1855

The tapestry has been woven in wool, cotton and silk, and showes an allegory of 19th century Africa.It is filled with a trophy of a lion-skin draped over a shield with an elephant's tusk, spears, one of which pierces an exotic bird, a golden ewer, shells, a snake, an ostrich egg, feathers, jewels and a chain with open manacles.

T.208-1969