Loading

Charles Le Brun designed this tapestry, known as the Char de Triomphe (Triumphal Chariot), to hang across the door of a formal interior to keep out drafts. Its royal heraldic symbols--the crown, the scales of justice, the Sun King's symbol, a ribbon with his now-faded motto, and a cartouche with the king's arms--would have clearly announced to visitors the importance of its owner, Louis XIV. The triumphal cart rolls over a serpent representing the king's enemies and alluding to his victories in war. Numerous fleur-de-lis, the symbol of the French royal family, adorn the border. Although woven for Louis XIV, this tapestry and others from the same series hung in the royal palaces year-round long after his reign ended. Twenty-four hangings of this design decorated the Palace of Versailles in 1789. Part of this tapestry's original lining has survived, with an inscription and the royal inventory number. The number corresponds to an entry in the journal of the Garde Meuble de la Couronne (Royal Furniture Warehouse), which records the tapestry as one of four delivered to Versailles on October 27, 1717.

Details

  • Title: Tapestry: Chariot of Triumph
  • Creator Lifespan: 1611/1690
  • Creator Nationality: French
  • Date Created: 1717
  • Location Created: Gobelins, France
  • Physical Dimensions: w267.3 x h346.7 cm
  • Type: Textile
  • Rights: http://www.getty.edu/legal/copyright.html
  • Medium: Silk and wool

Get the app

Explore museums and play with Art Transfer, Pocket Galleries, Art Selfie, and more

Flash this QR Code to get the app
Google apps