Obviously, we love rugs at Qali, and every once in a while we take a look into the most magnificent rugs in the world. We want to tell you their stories and explain why they are fascinating. For starting the ‘rug story’ at Qali, we decided to concentrate on expensive rugs. Why? Because we feel most people don’t understand the pricing behind rugs. We discussed William A. Clark’s rug in our past article and in this blog article, we travel to France: Most Expensive Rugs: Louis XV Savonnerie carpet.
Once, nestled within the opulent chambers of Versailles, lay a masterpiece of textile art. The fancy item served as more than just a decoration. It was also a symbol of power, style, and the great skill of the 18th century.
Louis XV’s carpet is not a simple expensive rug that carried the fancy title ‘world’s most expensive rug’, rather, it’s a true reflection of an art piece. The Louis XV Savonnerie carpet was made during the reign of King Louis XV of France. This was a time when art was flourishing and the monarchy was very powerful; therefore, understanding the art and design of it is vital.
In this article, we delve into the story behind this magical piece and tell you more about its artistic side.
What is Savonnerie?
Before diving into the chronicle of the Louis XV Savonnerie carpet, it’s essential to grasp the significance of Savonnerie itself. The Savonnerie manufactory, established during the 17th century, was an important institution in France dedicated to the production of high-quality, hand-knotted pile carpets.
Originating from a former soap factory (‘savon’ translates to soap in French), which was repurposed into a royal workshop, the Savonnerie manufactory quickly gained acclaim for its very impressive carpets, adorned with elaborate designs and made from the finest materials.
Rugs Are More Than Just Decoration!
The motivation behind King Louis XV’s commissioning of such a magnificent carpet goes beyond mere aesthetics. The 18th century was a time of stiff competition among European monarchies to display their wealth, power, and cultural sophistication.
By ordering a luxurious Savonnerie carpet, Louis XV aimed to solidify his status among European royalty and showcase the exceptional craftsmanship and artistic talent that France harbored. The rug showed the monarchy’s wealth and France’s role in selling art and luxury.
Rugs, like paintings, need beautiful designs and profound hand techniques in order to be made. For a gorgeous rug, artists must have innovative ideas with exceptional hand movement techniques, just like paintings.
The royal family and nobility often commissioned rugs from Savonnerie, with each rug narrating a tale of its patron’s grandeur. Among these, the rug made for Louis XV showcased his love for art. Moreover, It demonstrated his desire to show off the magnificence of the French monarchy.
The rug made for Louis XV showcased his love for art.
The Story Behind The Rug Design
The Louis XV Savonnerie carpet was meticulously crafted by skilled artisans who devoted countless hours to achieving perfection. The design was a beautiful mix of Rococo style, popular during Louis XV’s reign, and traditional motifs seen on Savonnerie carpets.
The graceful curves, ornate floral motifs, and soft color palette reflected the Rococo’s playful charm, while the impressive size and the royal symbol intricately woven into the carpet upheld the majestic character of the monarchy.
Rococo Style : Theatrical Movement
Rococo, also referred to as Late Baroque or less commonly as Roccoco, is a highly decorative and theatrical style notable in architecture, art, and decoration. Unlike the religious or political themes often found in Baroque art, Rococo style tends to focus on more secular, personal themes, reflecting a shift in societal focus and values.
This style embraces asymmetry, scrolling curves, gilding, white and pastel colors, along with sculpted moulding, all orchestrated to evoke surprise and create an illusion of motion and drama. It’s often seen as the culminating expression of the Baroque era, showcasing a more ornate and dramatic flair in its approach.
Rococo also came in painting as well; the impact of Rococo created a wave of beautiful artworks. Marked by asymmetry, soft blues and pastels, along with its picturesque, nature-infused theme, “The Embarkation of Cythera” stands as one of the most iconic examples of Rococo art ever created.
Rococo in The Savonnerie Rug
The artistic direction was possibly overseen by notable artists and designers of the era, although the exact individuals remain hid in history. The design motif behind the Louis XV Savonnerie carpet is a fascinating mixture of royal symbolism, ornate aesthetics, and meticulous craftsmanship of the 18th-century Rococo style. Compare the most famous Rococo painting The Embarkation of Cythera and one of Louis XV Savonnerie rug:
Central Design and Motifs of The Rug:
- The centerpiece of the carpet often features a ‘rose moresque’ motif encased within a molded cartouche. This central design is further enhanced by ornate shells and unique ‘bat’s wings’ elements found in all four corners of the square inner panel.
Floral and Acanthus Leaf Themes:
- A dominant theme in the design is the extensive use of floral motifs, acanthus leaves, and molded elements. These elements were a departure from the classical symbolism seen in earlier Louis XIV carpets and lent a more comfortable, domestic feel to the grandiose settings of Louis XV’s residences.
Royal Symbols:
- The royal arms of France, topped by a crown with eagle’s wings, are prominently displayed on some versions of the carpet. Cornucopia issue from corner pieces in some designs, symbolizing abundance and the monarchy’s wealth.
- The fleur-de-lys motifs in each corner are notable features, signifying the carpet’s royal commission. These motifs have historical significance in French royal heraldry since the 12th century and underscore the royal lineage and authority.
Artistic Craftsmanship:
- The designs of the Louis XV Savonnerie carpet are attributed to the talented Savonnerie artist Pierre-Josse Perrot, who meticulously crafted the motifs and overall layout, often experimenting with different color schemes to achieve a visually stunning aesthetic.
Color Palette and Decorative Elements:
- The carpet also boasted a soft color palette, with the use of ivory, chestnut-brown, and pastel colors, along with bold scrolling acanthus fronds in various colors overlapping to form panels linked by floral wreaths, bands, and swags. The borders often contained architectural mouldings and decorative entwined strapwork, adding to the carpet’s ornate appeal
If you want to see this fascinating rug at a better quality check out Cleveland Museum of Art.
Timeless Beauty and The Modern World: Record Breaking Sale in Carpet Auction
As the carpet graced the royal chambers, it became synonymous with the lavish lifestyle of the court of Louis XV. However, its legacy went beyond its time, leaving a lasting imprint on the world of decorative arts.
The rich tapestry of history behind the Louis XV Savonnerie carpet is equally matched by its value in the modern market and carpet auction, having commanded stellar prices at auctions over the years. Its allure, from the bygone era of royal magnificence, continues to capture the interest of collectors and connoisseurs of fine art.
One notable sale occurred at a Christie’s auction in London in the year 2000, where the rug (picture above next to the Rococo painting) fetched a staggering $4.4 million, showcasing its beauty and historical significance.
The high price underlines not only the carpet’s historical and artistic value but also the exceptional craftsmanship of Pierre-Josse Perrot, the artist behind the creation of three such exquisite carpets for Louis XV’s dining room.
The Louis XV Savonnerie carpet is a highly desired item for collectors and history enthusiasts. It represents a time when art and monarchy came together to create enduring works of art. With its beautiful design and fascinating history, the Louis XV Savonnerie carpet captivates us, sharing the story of a magnificent era filled with grandeur and artistic beauty.