French Jacquard Verdure Tapestry

Jacquard-Woven French Verdure Tapestry with Pastoral Scene

The undamaged portion measures approximately 48” x 89”, 109” total

A richly detailed Jacquard-woven tapestry in the French verdure tradition, likely produced between the 1920s and 1950s. The central panel features a noble couple in Renaissance attire strolling through a formal garden, framed by lush trees and stylized foliage. Architectural ruins and secondary figures add depth to the composition, while the dense botanical border of scrolling acanthus leaves and florals completes the scene. Woven primarily in wool, the piece is unlined and shows signs of age-appropriate wear along the edges. The color palette includes muted moss green, ochre, walnut, and faded ivory.

This vertical-format tapestry brings elegance and historical charm to any space. Its tall, narrow shape makes it ideal for anchoring a hallway or stairwell, or for hanging above a console in a dining room or library. The softened, earthy palette lends itself beautifully to both classic and collected interiors—whether paired with antique portraits and velvet upholstery or used as contrast against minimal modern furniture.

Inspired by 17th- and 18th-century verdure tapestries, this piece reflects the enduring popularity of pastoral and landscape themes in French decorative arts. The term verdure comes from the French word for greenery and refers to tapestries dominated by trees, foliage, and natural motifs. While earlier versions were handwoven in workshops like Aubusson and Beauvais, this example was likely produced on a mechanical Jacquard loom—a 19th-century innovation that revolutionized textile production. Though the weaving process itself was mechanized and guided by punched cards, skilled artisans still played a vital role in overseeing the loom, selecting yarns, and hand-finishing the piece with detail work and repairs. These mid-century revival tapestries brought Old World charm into the homes of a new generation, often incorporating romanticized scenes of courtly leisure set within lush gardens or forests.

*the top has tears and repairs but it’s largely in very good condition and the top can be folded over when hung.