17th century Aubusson tapestry

Aubusson tapestry, 17th century.
"The conversion of St. Paul on the road to Damascus".
Wool and silk.
Signed.
Presents faults and restorations.
Measurements: 473 x 279 cm.

The tapestry in tender represents with great decorative and narrative richness the biblical episode of the conversion of St. Paul on the road to Damascus. In the center of the scene appears the saint fallen from his horse, dazzled and blinded by the divine manifestation, while around him unfolds a lively group of horsemen and soldiers integrated in an idealized architectural landscape that provides depth, dynamism and remarkable vivacity to the composition.

As we can see in the piece under bidding, Aubusson tapestries are characterized by their great decorative richness, the delicacy of their weavings and the artistic quality of their compositions. Traditionally handmade in the French town of Aubusson since the 15th century, they usually represent historical, mythological, religious or pastoral scenes, surrounded by elaborate ornamental frames with flowers, garlands and plant motifs. They stand out for their harmonious colors, the detail in the figures and landscapes, and the sensation of depth and movement that they achieve through a careful work of texture and color. In addition to their decorative function, these tapestries were considered symbols of prestige and refinement.