Tapestry Detail

This is a detail from a French tapestry titled "Les Noces de Psyche". The tapestry features a color depiction of a tented outdoor feast with classical pillars arches and steps. The depiction includes figures of Apollo, Venus and other gods. Putti hang on garlands of flowers and fruit in foreground. It also features a wide border with vignettes. The tapestry was a gift from the French government in 1917 and first hung in the East Room of the White House. The Wilsons tried to decline accepting the gift, as the said it was too valuable to be a personal gift, but to no avail. The French government insisted it was for the Wilsons and should not be left in the White House. The tapestry represents the admiration that foreign governments had for President Wilson. Mrs. Wilson greatly valued and cared for the tapestry, choosing their house on S Street in part because it had a wall wide enough for the tapestry.