The Hunter from a set of the Italian Village Scenes
Original title: The Hunter from a set of the Italian Village Scenes
kurzbeschreibung
Woven in 1762 after a design by François Boucher from 1734–36, this tapestry belongs to the series of Italian Village Scenes. It shows a young hunter in a rural setting, accompanied by dogs and dead poultry. The piece, woven from wool and silk, measures 287 x 86.4 cm.
Description
A young man has taken a seat on a rock, holding a hunting weapon at the ready. Two dogs rest beside him, while several dead chickens lie scattered on the ground. Trees, shrubs, and a house combine to form a rural backdrop. The upright format places the hunter as the central figure, with the house in the distance providing a closing note. Shades of gray dominate the palette, allowing the tapestry's woven structure to stand out.
Context
François Boucher, a leading master of the French Rococo and a designer for the Gobelins Manufactory, created the models for the Italian Village Scenes between 1734 and 1736; the woven execution followed in 1762. Such tapestries were often commissioned by noble houses, where they served as symbols of status in their palaces. Boucher drew inspiration from Italian landscapes and rural subjects, which he refined into idealized scenes in his designs.
Impact
The restrained, almost monochrome palette and the fine weave give the tapestry a quiet, nearly drawing-like presence. The thoughtful arrangement of the pictorial elements creates a balanced, idyllic mood that draws the viewer into the rural world.
Technique
The tapestry was woven in plain weave from wool and silk, with 21–23 warps per inch (8–9 per cm). This allowed details to be reproduced accurately and a smooth surface to be achieved. The silk content provides a slight sheen that enhances light reflections.
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Source: Metropolitan Museum of Art · Public Domain (CC0 1.0)