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Tapestry: The Offering to Pan (from the series of Berain Grotesques)

Designed by: Jean-Baptiste Monnoyer (French, 1634–1699)
Woven by: Beauvais Tapestry Manufactory (French, around 1690–1700)
late 17th century
Object Place: Beauvais, France

Medium/Technique Tapestry weave (wool warp; wool and silk wefts)
Dimensions 307.97 x 311.78 cm (121 1/4 x 122 3/4 in.)
Credit Line Charles Potter Kling Fund
Accession Number1985.92
NOT ON VIEW
ClassificationsTextiles

DescriptionThis tapestry depicts a flower-crowned herm of Pan being honored by musicians and dancers. The borders are designed with grotesques and ‘'oriental'' figures. Color of tapestry is a yellow referred to as "tobacco". Grotesques were a subject originally sketched by Jean Berain, chief designer to Louis XIV. Monnoyer's transposition of Berain's concept retains the exotic quality, while bringing a new vitality to the elements that were his specialty - flowers, garlands, baskets of fruit and vases.
ProvenanceMarch 22, 1983, anonymous sale, Hôtel Drouot, Paris, lot 115. 1985, Galerie Chevalier, New York; sold by Chevalier to the MFA. (Accession Date: April 24, 1985)