An Empire Savonnerie carpet, France

Property from the Estate of Caroline Ryan Foulke, Sotheby's New York, June 4, 1988, lot 266

Pile low to knotheads throughout, with some areas of central medallion having higher pile. Upper right corner with an irregularly shaped reweave, approximately 1.5x1.5 feet, with an adjoining L-shaped reweave approx. 1x1 foot. A few scattered smaller reweaves, not extensive. Oxidized dark browns with border of central medallion mostly repiled. Some further scattered repiling. Lower left corner with some small slits. Lower right corner with a 3x3" area of repaired slits/hole. Further scattered smaller repaired slits, not extensive. Scattered marks, spot stains and surface dirt, recommend cleaning. Lacking major borders, both sides now bound with selvage fraying and with losses in areas. Supple handle, good overall condition for age.
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 Empire period in France marked the revival of the Aubusson and Savonnerie workshops, which had been in remission since the Revolution of 1789. Under Napoleon's guidance there was a return to opulence in decorating of a style, which incorporated neoclassical elements with the grand taste of the new Emperor. The lyres, lush floral garlands, curling arabesques around a central rosette roundel featured in the present carpet epitomize this style. The perfectly balanced and grand scale of design can also be seen in many carpets of the era, for example four Aubusson pile carpets, three of which are now in the Château de Malmaison, see M. Jarry, The Carpets of Aubusson, Leight-on-Sea, 1969, fig. 37-40. Although bold in scale, the designer incorporated a wealth of detail in the beautifully defined fruit of the garlands and subtly shaded acanthus leaves forming the arabesques, endowing the carpet with a vitality and elegance unrivaled by later French carpets.