23rd Jun, 2026 10:00
Fine Interiors
307
A Gobelins allegorical tapestry of the 'Palace of Versailles' representing April
18th century, French, after a design by Charles Le Brun,
from the series 'Les Maisons Royales ou des Mois', woven in silk and wool threads, with Louis XIV and Queen Maria-Theresa in a six-horse carriage followed by riders, the palace beyond, in the foreground a balustrade with a child playing with a dog, two urns, birds and musical instruments, within a foliate strapwork border
320 x 440cm
Footnote:This tapestry depicts the Château de Versailles for the month of April, from the celebrated Les des Maisons Royales, one of the most ambitious decorative programmes of the reign of Louis XIV. The composition presents the characteristic foreground balustrade draped with crimson textile and populated with exotic birds including a peacock, an eagle and a macaw, flanking a young figure with a dog; large floral urns frame the scene on either side, while in the middle distance a six-horse carriage and mounted cavaliers process toward the château, its city-facing façade visible on the horizon.
The series was conceived by Charles Le Brun, Premier Peintre du Roi and director of the Gobelins Manufactory, with specialist contributions by Jean-Baptiste Monnoyer (flowers), Pieter Boel (animals and birds), and François van der Meulen (landscapes and architectural backgrounds). The first royal set was woven in the workshops of Lefebvre and Jans from 1668, and between then and 1713 the Crown commissioned seven complete sets with gold thread, of which the haute lisse example in the Mobilier National (GMTT 108/004), woven circa 1670 in the atelier of Jans fils, is a premier example.
The present tapestry is woven in the basse lisse technique, as confirmed by the orientation of its linen warps and the eagle in the foreground, which is not found on the high-warp designs. The tapestry is a mirror image of the royal Mobilier National example - a natural consequence of the basse lisse process - in which the cartoon is traced beneath the loom, producing a reversed but otherwise faithful interpretation of the design. The palette, with its refined and softened tonal range, is consistent with later Gobelins production. The border, without royal heraldic devices, follows the pattern of known private commissions from the series, for example, the Victoria and Albert's 'Juillet' (accession number T.371-1977), woven in the workshop of Jean de la Croix (1670-1700), similarly bears a non-royal border and reduced dimensions, its catalogue entry noting that 'a number of other less lavish sets were commissioned by private individuals' alongside the seven Crown sets. The present tapestry's dimensions, are proportionally consistent with this category of commission.
The Maisons Royales series retained its desirability long after the death of Louis XIV, and private and diplomatic commissions continued to be fulfilled by the Gobelins well into the 18th century.
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Sold for £7,500
Condition Report
Given its age, this tapestry presents in fairly good condition. General wear is present throughout, commensurate with age and use. The most notable examples of wear are a few small holes and tears present in different places. The tapestry is also delicate as a lot of the weaving has become loose, creating a 'torn' look. However, despite these defects the tapestry presents in a mostly good order with all the main scenes, subjects and colours mostly visible. The upper section has the largest area of discolouration as it appears the clouds and sky have visibly become faded. There does not appear to be any large stains or the like. Care advised when handling. It is in good structural order and ready to hang.
Please note: although we try to reproduce colours as closely as possible, fabrics, carpets and upholstery may vary slightly in colour between print, digital images and real life. The sale team would be very pleased to provide additional images or videos of the pieces upon request, however, viewing lots of this nature in person is encouraged.
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Auction: Fine Interiors, 23rd Jun, 2026
It is with great pleasure that we share the full catalogue for our June auction, comprising over 650 lots of fine furniture, works of art, sculpture, and carpets to delight and inspire.
Leading the sale is the collection of Mr and Mrs Francis Anthony Brinsley Valentine, with many pieces descending from the Earls of Lanesborough at Swithland Hall, Leicester.
We are also delighted to present property from a number of other notable collections and distinguished individuals, including James Hamilton, 5th Duke of Abercorn, Frederick Parker, James Thursby-Pelham Esq., Judith Appio, and – following the success of the first instalment in our March Fine Interiors sale – a further group of lots from The Richard Collins Collection.
Alongside these collections, we are pleased to offer the contents of two distinct, though equally stylish, London interiors: 14 Prior Street and 18 Thurloe Square.
Viewing
London Viewing | Highlights
A selection of lots will be on view Monday 18 May - Friday 12 June at our London Gallery, 15 Cecil Court, London WC2N 4EZ, as follows:
Monday-Friday, 11am - 5.30pm
Saturday - Closed
Sunday - Closed
For more information on the lots featured, please see HERE or contact 0203 971 2500 | london@sworder.co.uk
Stansted Viewing | Auction
Viewing will be held at our Stansted Auction Rooms, Cambridge Road, Stansted Mountfitchet CM24 8GE, as follows:
Friday 19 June, 10am - 4pm
Sunday 21 June, 10am - 1pm
Monday 22 June, 10am - 4pm
All lots are, however, extensively illustrated and carry detailed condition reports - see 'Condition report' at the foot of each lot description.
The auction will take place at our Stansted Auction Rooms, Cambridge Road, Stansted Mountfitchet CM24 8GE.
Please note that this item is not suitable for a pre-sale automated shipping estimate due to the items weight/size.
The below table shows indicative shipping costs for larger items being delivered within the UK mainland. Please note that all the below costs are purely for indicative purposes and are to be used as a guideline only. If you purchase multiple large items, we will combine deliveries to reduce the shipping costs.
Should you be successful in buying this item, a specific shipping estimate will need to be requested after the sale using the link in your invoice email; this also includes all requests for international delivery.
If you would like further information about shipping and collection please see here.
Buying a pre-loved, antique, or vintage item not only provides you with unique style and value for money but it also helps to reduce landfill, and the annual emissions of an antique or vintage piece can be as little as one sixteenth of those of its new equivalent!
Sworders is proud to be supporting the work of Antiques are Green - the movement that was founded in 2009 to promote “a greener future created from the past”. Read their fascinating carbon footprint study of a Georgian chest of drawers versus a modern equivalent here
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