A Louis XIV Gobelins Tapestry depicting 'Winter', from the series 'Les Enfants Jardiniers', after designs by Charles Le Brun, circa 1720

The Earl of Iveagh, Norfolk;
His Sale, Norfolk, Elveden Hall, Christie's, 22 May 1984, lot 1773;
where purchased by the present owner.

Lined with velcro, restoration and expert reweaving throughout. Restoration in some border areas as well- particularly the bottom border. Some dryness to silks in areas. Some minor losses to silks. Minor splits. Exceptional quality, design, and colors. Ready to hang.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

The immensely popular tapestry series Les Enfants Jardiniers was conceived by the noted painter Charles le Brun in 1664. This first weaving of the series consisted of eight horizontal scenes of putti engaged in various gardening tasks, and hangs in the Pavillon de l'Aurore in the Parc de Sceaux in Paris. Le Brun later developed the concept into allegories of the four seasons featuring children, rather than putti, tending elaborate gardens and these designs were later used to create another tapestry series of Les Enfants Jardiniers.

Jean Baptiste Colbert was Louis XIV's Contrôleur général des finances until his death in 1683, and is largely credited for keeping the French economy afloat during Louis XIV's indulgent reign. During his tenure, Colbert founded the Manufacture royale de glaces de miroirs and the Manufacture de Gobelins to encourage domestic production, as Louis XIV was spending exorbitant sums on glassware from Venice and textiles from Flanders. The Gobelins manufactory was established in 1662, and le Brun served as director and chief designer from 1663 until his death in 1690. Three versions of Les Enfants Jardiniers were produced while le Brun was director of the Gobelins; they were designed by Séve le Cadet, after le Brun's original concept. Two of these weavings, completed by 1685, were woven by de la Croix and Mozin, and were intended for Colbert, but were taken by the king who used them as diplomatic gifts to foreign ambassadors. The third weaving was woven by Lefebvre. The Gobelins produced both tapestries and furniture for the King until 1694, when it was shut down  as a result of the monarchy's financial problems. Operations resumed in 1697, at which time it exclusively produced tapestries, mostly for royal use.

The first royal commission of Les Enfants Jardiniers  was in 1703; this weaving now hangs at Versailles and was composed of six tapestries - Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter and an additional, larger version of Spring "Grande piece du Printemps" and a smaller version of the Autumn tapestry "Petite piece de l'Automne". The Gobelins archives list eight different weavings of the Les Enfants Jardiniers series woven between 1685 and 1720. The present and proceeding lot depict Summer and Winter, and both tapestries are excellent renditions of the theme. Comparable examples include Summer and Winter at the Mobilier National in Paris, which show the same compositions but in reverse.

The commercial success of Les Enfants Jardiniers persisted into the late 18th century with two eminent French painters, François Boucher and Jean-Honoré Fragonard, reimagining the theme on canvas.

RELATED LITERATURE 
M. Fenaille, État général des tapisseries de la Manufacture des Gobelins depuis son origine jusqu'à nos jours, 1600-1900, Paris 1923;
D. Boccara, Les Belles Heures de la Tapisserie, 1971, p. 123-125.