A remnant of a larger Aubusson tapestry from around 1750, this beautiful tapestry fragment depicts the denouement of the tale of Actaeon. The tapestry was hand-woven during the Louis XV period, using silk and wool threads, with vibrant colors including red, blue, green, and cream.

Diana, the Roman goddess of the hunt, is standing in a blue and cream chiton with knee-high cream sandals and a quiver on her back. Her twin brother, Apollo, stands next to her in a flowing, red robe with a gold pin on his left shoulder and golden footwear. He has a crown of leaves on his sandy blonde hair. Both deities have symbolic items on the ground next to them, with a bow representing Diana, and a lyre for Apollo. To their left is a large stag with an arrow through its back, laying amongst reeds and small green bushes next to a flowing river. The mountaintop home of the gods, Olympus, can be seen in a clearing amongst the verdant trees with variegated bark trees.

The story of Actaeon is a fascinating tale of an unfortunate hunter who stumbled upon a bathing Diana in the forest. Out of anger, Diana turned Actaeon into a stag. Unable to speak, Actaeon fled in fear, eventually being killed by other hunters or his own dogs, depending on the version of the myth. This Aubusson tapestry is a fine example of some of the more refined and colorful tapestries being produced in the middle of the 18th century.  It is of a convenient size, allowing it to be hung in nearly any dining room, hallway or living area.

CONDITION: Very good antique fragment from an 18th century tapestry with only minor wear. The blue border and the front and the cream linen backing were added more recently.