Imperial Russian Tapestry Masterpieces
Woman with a Mirror – Imperial Russian Tapestry Masterpieces, Saint Petersburg. After a painting by Nicolas Lancret (French, Paris 1690–1743 Paris). Date – late 18th century. Medium – Wool, metal thread
Imperial Russian Tapestry Masterpieces.
First Russian tapestry manufacture was founded by Peter I in 1716-1717. Remarkable Russian tapestries look like paintings of old masters. These outstanding examples of Russian applied art are based on the original paintings by European (Rembrandt, Nicolas Lancret, Anthony van Dyck, etc.) and Russian artists. Many copies of Hermitage paintings were specially made for the needs of the manufacture. These large-scale textile items include classical, biblical and genre scenes. Some tapestries were inspired by Russian history. The State Hermitage in St. Petersburg, Russia, has a unique collection of Russian tapestries made in St Petersburg at the tapestry manufacture. On 1 June 1857, the Imperial Tapestry Manufacture was closed by decree of Alexander II. Imperial Russian Tapestry Masterpieces, as outstanding examples of Russian applied art are included in the permanent exhibitions at The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York.
Young Woman with a Pink. Imperial Russian Tapestry Masterpieces, Saint Petersburg. On a painting by Rembrandt van Rijn. Date late 18th century. Medium Wool, metal thread
In the 1730s, a large staff of Russian weavers of the St Petersburg manufacture made the series “Countries of the World”. In the series were used Western tapestries from Imperial palaces as samples. The second half of the 18th century was the most prolific period for the manufacture. These years saw the making of individual tapestries as well as whole series of outstanding workmanship. The portraits of the founder, Peter I, as well as Catherine II, were often made at the manufacture.
Imperial Russian Tapestry Masterpieces
Tapestry portrait (arras) of Peter I. Russia, Saint-Petersburg, 1799. St. Petersburg Imperial tapestry manufactory.
A Polish Nobleman. Imperial Russian Tapestry Manufactory, Saint Petersburg. On painting by Rembrandt. 18th century. Medium – Wool, metal thread
Anthony Van Dyck (detail), Self Portrait. Imperial Russian Tapestry Manufactory, Saint Petersburg
Anthony Van Dyck, Self Portrait. Imperial Russian Tapestry Manufactory, Saint Petersburg.
Dr. Lazarus Markijzus (detail). Imperial Russian Tapestry Manufactory, Saint Petersburg.
Dr. Lazarus Markijzus. Imperial Russian Tapestry Manufactory, Saint Petersburg. After a painting by Anthony van Dyck. Date – late 18th century. Medium – Wool, metal thread
Girl Playing a Recorder. Imperial Russian Tapestry Manufactory, Saint Petersburg. On painting by Jan Lievens. 18th century. Medium – Wool, metal thread.
Hannah and the Infant Samuel. Imperial Russian Tapestry Manufactory, Saint Petersburg.
Jan Malderus, Bishop of Antwerp. Imperial Russian Tapestry Manufactory, Saint Petersburg. On painting by Anthony van Dyck. Date – late 18th century. Medium – Wool, metal thread
Man with a Lute. Imperial Russian Tapestry Manufactory, Saint Petersburg.
Old Woman with a Book (detail). Imperial Russian Tapestry Manufactory, Saint Petersburg. On painting by Rembrandt
Old Woman with a Book. Imperial Russian Tapestry Manufactory, Saint Petersburg. On painting by Rembrandt
Seated Woman. closeup
Seated Woman. Imperial Russian Tapestry Manufactory, Saint Petersburg. After a painting by Jean-Baptiste Santerre (French, 1651–1717). Medium Wool, metal thread
Portrait of Countess Elizaveta Romanovna Vorontsova. Imperial Russian Tapestry Manufacture, Saint Petersburg. Maker – Workshop of Jean Baptiste Rondet (active 1740–64). Medium – Wool, silk
source:
www.hermitagemuseum.org
