A Louis Philippe Aubusson carpet, France

Overall measurements: 466cm across the top, 465cm across the bottom, 468cm horizontally though the centre, 524cm the right hand side, 520cm the left hand side, 528cm vertically through the middle Overall in very smart ready to use and exceptional condition. With clear luminous colour. Some very minor localised repair for example along colour joins in green ground interlace in centre of lower field. Minor spotting in ivory ground of central medallion, might improve marginally with an surface clean. Linen lining. Ready to place.
"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. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

The Aubusson workshops began weaving carpets during the reign of Louis XV and soon rose to prominence; before long they gained commissions from several influential clients including Madame de Pompadour and the Garde Meuble Royal.

Initially the carpets followed designs based on the fashionable carpets being imported from Turkey; however the eighteenth century Bourbon taste for the designs of Pierre Josse-Perrot, designer for the rival factory Savonnerie 1725 - 1750, led the firm to adapt their designs.

Aubusson developed its own niche to that of Savonnerie. The small town had previously been known for its tapestry weaving and in the third quarter of the eighteenth century began production of flatweave carpets. The manufactories suffered after the revolution of 1789 but in 1807 Napoleon Bonaparte (1769-1821), invigorated them by providing aid, and commissions for the imperial palaces, to improve the economic and social conditions in the region.  As a result the factories flourished in the nineteenth century, proof of which can be seen in the present work.