Antique Savonnerie carpet, France, nineteenth century
The delicate medallion surrounded by interlocking swags or flower garlands set against the soft golden ivory ground is quintessentially French neo-classical, in the grand Savonnerie tradition. Naturalistic sprays of roses hover in the intervening spaces, while a spiraling ribbon illusionistic Trompe l'oeil design comprises the border. The soft texture of the wool goes beautifully with the delicacy of the design and color.
