Tapestry, America, 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 and silk on cotton, and showing an allegory of America. In the centre foreground a snake rears above a chest of jewels is surrounded by fruits and flowers. Behind are draped two flags, one is the Star and Stripes of which only a part is visible, and the Flag of the Republic of Haiti with a central device of a palm tree surmounted by a Cap of Liberty. Exotic birds and insects fly among the background plants, cactus and a type of palm tree.

The border, in stone colours, has a sill carved with a dolphin at the lower edge, fluted pilasters at the sides, and an arch decorated with grotesque masks.

Apart from the deep vibrant red in the flag, birds and flowers, the tonality of the tapestry is subdued with pale creams, greens and browns.

Woven in wool and silk on cotton warp, 16 to 21 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.

This tapestry has been woven in wool and silk on cotton, and showes an allegory of America. In the centre foreground a snake rears above a chest of jewels is surrounded by fruits and flowers. Behind are draped two flags, one is the Star and Stripes of which only a part is visible, and the Flag of the Republic of Haiti with a central device of a palm tree surmounted by a Cap of Liberty. Exotic birds and insects fly among the background plants, cactus and a type of palm tree.

T.209-1969