Size: 2.2 x 2.2 ft.
Origin: Europe
Circa: 1960s
Material: Cotton, Polyester & Viscose
This vintage European loom tapestry, titled "Licorne à la Fontaine" (Unicorn at the Fountain), draws inspiration from the legendary La Dame à la Licorne series of famous medieval French tapestries that celebrate chivalry, courtly love, and mythological creatures.
Woven in rich, vivid hues, the scene is set against a warm golden-orange millefleur (thousand flowers) background, teeming with stylised flora. At the centre, a noblewoman sits atop a grand ornamental fountain, elegantly playing a lute. To her left, a courtly gentleman in Renaissance attire plays a wind instrument, and to her right, another lady presents a leafy bouquet. Below the figures lies a lush garden with a small pond filled with ducks and birds, reinforcing the sense of natural abundance.
While this particular rendition does not show a unicorn directly, the title and style allude to a fantastical narrative. The overall composition exudes medieval romance and allegorical symbolism, portraying harmony between music, nature, and nobility. The detailed border and vibrant palette make this tapestry not only a decorative statement but also a celebration of classical European storytelling through the art of weaving.
Jacquard's loom invention in 1804 enabled single-warp control and revolutionised the weaving process. Since then, numerous improvements have been made to the ancient drawloom, which enabled pictorial repeats in weavings as early as the pre-Christian era. Finally, after almost two centuries, single warp control via punched cards has been replaced by electronic means, resulting in products that are now suitable as a woven base for the art market.
In the early days of jacquard machines, they were used to weave delicate damasks and fabrics for interior textiles, making them affordable for the broader population. However, jacquard tapestries, machine-produced in wool, were also available, and according to a German law passed in 1913, they had to be described as "imitation gobelins" to distinguish them from woven tapestries.
Authentic vintage and antique European jacquard loom tapestries and textiles are woven with cotton, polyester and viscose. Each one is an exceptional work of art.
Our textiles are professionally restored, ensuring they last for many more years.
Our textiles are professionally cleaned.
