A French pastoral tapestry depicting 'Le Cheval Fondu' from the series 'Les Amusements Champêtres' after a design by Jean-Baptiste Huet or Jacques-Nicolas Julliard, Aubusson late 18th century

Lined. Selvage replaced. Bottom right corner of border replaced. Inner panel slightly reduced. Minor restorations throughout. Good muted colors.
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.
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Jean-Baptiste Oudry designed the series Les Amusements Champêtres for the Manufacture Royale de Beauvais, where it was first woven between 1730-1733.  The set enjoyed wide success and in the second half of the 18th century. Jean-Baptiste Huet, inspired by Oudry's designs, created cartoons for an updated set to be woven at the Manufacture D'Aubusson.  Boccaro notes: "On constatera qu'à l'encontre des scènes de J.B. Oudry, Huet a toujours donné à ses personnages un caractère plus rustique." (Boccara 1971)

The first of the series depicts young men in a rustic landscape playing a game called le cheval fondu, which involves one player as the 'horse' trying to keep his balance as another rides on his back.

RELATED LITERATURE

J. Badin, Tapisseries de Beauvais, Paris, 1909, pp. 58 and 83
D. Boccara, Les belles heures de la tapisserie, Paris, 1971, p. 217
D. Chevalier, Tapisseries d'Aubusson et de Felletin, Paris, 1988, pp.149 and 178