18th Century Verdure Tapestry with Birds and Foliage

A remarkable example of French verdure craftsmanship, this 18th-century tapestry depicts a richly woven woodland scene. In the background, two elegant birds rest among densely layered leaves and blossoming florals, framed by deep greens, warm golds, and soft blues. A lighter clearing in the background draws the eye into the composition, offering depth and balance to the moody palette.

This piece, like most high-quality French verdure tapestries from the 18th and 19th centuries would have been handwoven with wool (the primary base fiber providing durability and matte finished) and satin (used to highlight flowers, birds, or light accents with a glimmer contrast - look for shine in the reds, yellows, or whites!) The texture and depth is a result of weft-faced weaving on low-warp looms (a hallmark of French tapestry production), where pattern is built row by row in horizontal passes. 

This panel showcases the hallmarks of verdure tapestries—romantic, slightly wild landscapes that were once favored for warming stone interiors both visually and physically. The piece is backed in cotton canvas, likely a modern conservation measure, and has aged beautifully, with expected wear that only enhances its historic charm. Signs of hand-repair and patina throughout tell a story of centuries past, perfectly imperfect in the most human of ways. The border additions were likely a later addition to continue preservation, but not original to the loom work. 

A true statement piece, it drapes beautifully over a wall or can be layered within a larger vignette for instant warmth, texture, and quiet drama.

Verdure comes from the French word verdoyant, meaning "lush" or "greenery. These tapestries are a distinct genre that originated in the late 15th century and reached their peak popularity in the 17th and early 18th centuries. You can identify a piece like this as verdure-based by lush foliage as the star, fauna over figures, and a dreamlike pastoral setting. 

Dimensions: 84 x 55.5 inches (~7 ft long by ~4.5 ft wide)