Tapestry; France, late 17th century.

Tapestry; France, late 17th century.

"Allegory of spring".
Wool and silk.
Measurements: 304 x 210 cm.
Tapestry of baroque period, in which a landscape of exuberant nature is represented, with four young ladies in the foreground picking flowers. In the background a castle can be seen. It highlights the richness of tonal ranges based on siennas, browns, ochres, glaucous. French and Flemish tapestries were from the end of the Middle Ages the highest quality in Europe, with brilliant colors, great density and a careful drawing of the cartoons, which translated into figurative scenes of great richness and narrative sense. Hunting themes were frequent in the Renaissance and Baroque periods, in addition to the landscape genre and the costumbrista or courtly theme.
From the 15th century until the 17th century, French tapestries were among the most appreciated and valuable works of art in Europe. They were used as diplomatic gifts, especially those of large format. Production began with the drawing of the cartoons, which were executed on paper or parchment by skilled painters and then sent to tapestry makers, who could be a long distance away. In the 17th century, Flemish tapestries continue to show intricate detail of pattern and color. The success of decorative tapestry can be partially explained by its portability. Tapestries were also placed on castle walls for insulation during the winter, as well as for decorative display.