America

designed ca. 1786, woven 1790–91; chair frame second half 19th century

Not on view

Commissioned by Louis XVI, this ensemble belongs to a set of four wall hangings (1978.404.1–.4) and fifty-six pieces of furniture upholstery (1978.404.5a–c–.18a–c) depicting the four continents: America (shown here), Europe, Asia, and Africa.

Artwork Details

Overview

Provenance

Exhibition History

Title: America
Manufactory: Tapestry upholstery by Beauvais
Maker: Workshop of de Menou (French, active 1780–93)
Artist: After a composition by Jean Jacques François Le Barbier (French, Rouen 1738–1826 Paris)
Patron: Commissioned for Louis XVI, King of France (French, Versailles 1754–1793 Paris)
Date: designed ca. 1786, woven 1790–91; chair frame second half 19th century
Culture: French, Beauvais
Medium: Carved and gilded wood; wool, silk
Dimensions: Overall: 37 3/4 × 27 × 24 in. (95.9 × 68.6 × 61 cm)
Classifications: Woodwork-Furniture, Textiles-Tapestries
Credit Line: Purchase, Mr. and Mrs. Claus von Bülow Gift, 1978
Object Number: 1978.404.7a–c
Curatorial Department: European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

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