Cupid in a roundel c. 1774s

This tapestry, "Cupid in a Roundel," was made by the Manufacture Royale des Gobelins. This enormous tapestry is the result of highly skilled labor. Its interwoven weft and warp create a dense, weighty surface. The image depicts Cupid surrounded by flowers, birds, and decorative motifs, all rendered with meticulous detail. Consider the immense amount of time required to produce such a piece. Tapestries like these were not mere decorations, but rather statements of power and wealth. They signaled the patron's ability to command resources and labor, acting as a testament to the social hierarchy of the time. The Manufacture Royale des Gobelins was established under Louis XIV to produce luxury goods for the French court, emblematic of the period's opulence and excess. This tapestry invites us to consider the intersection of art, craft, and social status, blurring the lines between decorative and fine art.