Woven Gold: Tapestries of Louis XIV

The Sun King, Louis XIV of France, who reigned from 1643 to 1715, formed the greatest collection of tapestries in early modern Europe. Extraordinary resources of time, money, and talent were allocated to the creation of these works, which were meticulously woven by hand with wool, silk, and precious metal-wrapped thread, after designs by the most esteemed artists.

As patron, heir, and collector, Louis XIV vastly augmented the prestigious French royal collection of tapestries. Displayed within his palaces while in residence and in outdoor courtyards on feast days, these monumental hangings embodied and proclaimed his magnificence.

The legacy of tapestry weaving as a national endeavor continues in France today, with state commissions from contemporary artists such as Raymond Hains who designed Diptyque/I. With rare loans from the Mobilier National, this major international loan exhibition presents a selection of grand tapestries that evoke the brilliance of the Sun King’s court.

This exhibition was organized by the J. Paul Getty Museum in association with the Mobilier National et les Manufactures Nationales des Gobelins, de Beauvais et de la Savonnerie.

Click here for more on Louis XIV

Preview the exhibition below | The Top Five Exhibitions Opening This Week

(before 1669), Cartoon attributed to Beaudrin Yvart (French, 1611-90) and after Charles Le Brun (French, 1619-90) and Gobelins Manufactory (French, founded 1662-present)

Autumn (before 1669), Cartoon attributed to Beaudrin Yvart (French, 1611-90) and after Charles Le Brun (French, 1619-90) and Gobelins Manufactory (French, founded 1662-present) Image © Le Mobilier National. Photo by Lawrence Perquis

(c. 1625-27), after Peter Paul Rubens (Flemish, 1577-1640) and Workshop of Faubourg Saint-Marcel (French, active 1607-61)

Constantius Appoints Constantine as his Successor (c. 1625-27), after Peter Paul Rubens (Flemish, 1577-1640) and Workshop of Faubourg Saint-Marcel (French, active 1607-61) Image © Le Mobilier National. Photo by Lawrence Perquis

(c. 1606-07), Cartoon by Henri Lerambert (French, about 1540/1550-1608) and after Antoine Caron (French, 1521-99) and Workshop of Maurice I Dubout (French, active 1606-11)

A Chariot of Triumph Drawn by Four Piebald Horses (also known as The Golden Chariot) (c. 1606-07), Cartoon by Henri Lerambert (French, about 1540/1550-1608) and after Antoine Caron (French, 1521-99) and Workshop of Maurice I Dubout (French, active 1606-11) Image © Le Mobilier National. Photo by Lawrence Perquis

Event website