This tapestry is one from a series depicting French Royal Palaces and representing the twelve months of the year. Over the centuries, the depiction of the theme of the months of the year has often been adopted in the productions of sets of Wall-hangings. This view of the Palace of Saint Germain, situated near Paris, represents the month of May, and was designed by the artist Charles Le Brun. It was originally woven in the second half of the seventeenth century at the Royal Gobelins Manufactory in Paris, and is now at the Museum of Pau in southern France.

The style of the design features the Royal Residence in the background of a landscape which is framed by a sumptuous architectural motif: a colonnaded portico garlanded with flowers. In the centre of the tapestry, the King and his companions take a promenade in the grounds of the chateau. On the stone balustrade in the foreground the vase of flowers and various draperies combine the elements of nature with symbols of a sophisticated civilization. The balustrade serves the purpose of creating a unique sense of perspective to the whole design. The vertical borders are richly adorned with intricate detailing, and feature the Arms of Louis XIV in their centre.

Silk screened tapestries are also known as serigraphic tapestries. Each silk-screened tapestry is serigraphed onto irregularly woven fabric (wool, cotton or linen). Considerable labour is required with this process, including hand-painting to finish the details. Silk screen tapestries appear antiqued and aged giving them the look and feel of tapestries that hang in museums today.

Tapestry Type           Silkscreen

Made in                      France

Dimensions         120 x 185 cm

190 x  195 cm