Pastoral Scene with Nymphs and Shepherds

Artists

Description

Mythological scene possibly showing Apollo, Muses and the shepherd, Pan in a landscape, signed "MERCIER A DRESDEN". This tapestry depicts a pastoral scene or an unidentified mythological subject in a wooded setting. In the center appears a draped figure holding a bouquet of flowers, possibly Flora. To the left, several scantily clad nymphs sit languorously. A young shepherd enters the scene at right. At left, another shepherd raised on a promontory plays the syrinx as his sheep graze in the distance.The border simulates a carved and gilt frame decorated with acanthus leaves and arabesques. Although it was woven in Dresden, this panel bears the visual imprint (lush landscape, classicizing figures) of tapestries from the French Aubusson workshop, and according to the weaver's inscription, it was woven by Pierre Mercier. Mercier was in fact an Aubusson weaver, but fled France in 1686 because of Huguenot persecution. Mercier first settled in Berlin, then migrated to Dresden in 1713 to set up a weaving workshop for Frederick Augustus, elector of Saxony. Because of its Dresden localization, the tapestry must date from 1713 to 1729 (the year of Mercier's death).

Dimensions

327.7 x 341.6 cm (129 x 134 1/2 in.)

Provenance

Mrs. Cortlandt Parker, gift; to Fogg Art Museum, 1954