17th century Aubusson tapestry - "Susanna and the Elders"

Tapestry from the Royal Aubusson Manufactory – 17th Century

"Susanna and the Elders"

This magnificent tapestry has undergone a thorough cleaning, hand-lined with 100% linen fabric, and meticulous inspection by our experts in our workshop. It is now ready to adorn your home.

This tapestry is a masterful piece of French textile art from the Grand Siècle (17th century), combining technical virtuosity with dramatic storytelling.

Title: Susanna and the Elders
Royal Aubusson Manufactory – 17th Century

This monumental tapestry (345 cm wide by 277 cm high) illustrates one of the most famous episodes from the Old Testament (Book of Daniel). It testifies to the exceptional skill of the Aubusson weavers during the reign of Louis XIV.

The Central Scene:
The work captures the moment of confrontation. In the center, Susanna, her luminous pallor emphasizing her purity, is surprised as she prepares to bathe.

On the left, one of the old men grasps her by the shoulder, his face marked by an expression of imperious lust, while his blue and gold drapery lends a Baroque dynamism to the scene.

On the right, the second old man emerges from the foliage, his gesture suspended, reinforcing the idea of ??a trap closing in.

The setting is a lush garden, typical of the verdant landscapes of Aubusson, where depth is accentuated by trees with dense foliage and a deep blue sky. A monumental fountain, adorned with a cherub and a dolphin spouting water, symbolizes both the lust of the aggressors and the purifying water of the bath.

Palette and Composition:
The color palette is characteristic of the period, dominated by deep blues, golden ochres, and shades of cream. The use of wool and silk allows for subtle gradations in the flesh tones and drapery, creating an almost painterly effect.

The Border:
The scene is framed by a rich original border composed of garlands of flowers and fruit (pomegranates, grapes, and blossoms). This decorative frame, very fashionable in the 17th century, acts as a window onto history, isolating the sacred drama from the outside world.

Historical Context:
In the 17th century, the Aubusson Manufactory received the title of "Royal Manufactory." It specialized in biblical and mythological subjects intended for the nobility and the upper middle class.

The story of Susanna was a favorite subject: it allowed artists to depict the female nude and landscape while conveying a moral lesson about virtue triumphing over corruption. Indeed, in the narrative, Susanna refuses to give in to the blackmail of the elders; she is condemned to death based on their false testimony before being saved by the intervention of the young prophet Daniel, who exposes the liars.