Decorative arts

Tapestry-Covered Firescreen

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Type: Decorative arts(Opens in new tab)
Date: 1738-1740 or 1767; frame, 1909-1910.
Accession number: 9.32
Makers: after designs by François Boucher(Opens in new tab) (French, 1703–1770); Gobelins Tapestry Manufactory(Opens in new tab) (French, 1662–1662)
Afters: and Nicolas Besnier(Opens in new tab); or under the direction of André Charlemagne Charron(Opens in new tab) (French, 1757–1780); Under the direction of Jean-Baptiste Oudry(Opens in new tab) (French, 1686–1755)
Dimensions: tapestry panel: 36 5/8 x 45 5/16 in. (93 x 115.1 cm.)
Medium: wool, silk and cotton; traces of pigment; modern cotton inner lining and modern silk outer backing; gessoed and gilded beech frame.
Description: Neo-classical firescreen showing children at play in a rustic setting.
Credit: The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens
Department: European Art
Find out more: View in the Art Museum catalog(Opens in new tab)

Label text

The design of this tapestry screen derives from a series of paintings executed by François Boucher in the early 1730s representing the four seasons. In this example, Cupid, the Vintager, harvesting his wine grapes, represents autumn. Originally designed to be a decorative overdoor panel, the tapestry was placed in a gilded frame and made into a firescreen in the late 19th century. At the same time, the three birds in the sky were added to cover up repairs to the weave.

Tapestry-Covered Firescreen

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