|
Conquest
and Glory: Tapestries
Devoted to Louis XIV
Louis XIV
Crowned by Victory is one of six tapestries in the Speed's
collection devoted to the Louis XIV. The mythology of Louis XIV
greatly influenced the artists and artisans of 17th-century
France. Produced under the eye of Philippe Béhagle (Flemish,
1641-1705), a weaver and workshop director, the tapestries present
a grand and glorious image of Louis XIV even though they were
not specifically made for the king.
The six tapestries
in the Speed's collection fall into two categories: four devoted
to the king’s glorification and two that document specific
military victories. The group of four–incorporating ancient
goddesses and complex symbolic references–were woven while
Béhagle was working in Tournai (located in present-day
Belgium). The remaining two were probably woven at the royal tapestry
manufactory in Beauvais, France, where Béhagle served as
director from 1684 until his death in 1705.
Although woven
in different locations, all six were probably produced using low-warp
looms. With this type of loom, the warp yarns (the rows of yarns
secured to the loom) sit parallel to the floor. Weavers, seated
one next to another, bend over the warp as they work. Unfortunately,
the early history of these tapestries remains unclear. Each, however,
bears the coat of arms of Count Heinrich von Brühl (1700-1762),
an addition dating to the 18th century. Perhaps von Brühl,
the de facto ruler of Saxony (a Germanic territory), found inspiration
in the Sun King’s majestic image.
|
