Louis XIV - Lille

Commissioned to celebrate the life of Louis XIV (1638-1715), this tapestry is one of 14 in a series known as “L’Histoire du Roi” (The History of the King). It shows Louis XIV touring the city of Lille shortly after its capture in 1667. His military commander Tureene, and his chief military engineer, Vauban, accompany him. The fall of Lille was significant because it signaled Louis’ intent to invade Spanish Netherlands. In the intervening years, the war emptied the country’s reserves and France’s influence in Europe dwindled. Nevertheless, this tapestry is absolutely magnificent in its ability to capture this historical period in brilliant detail, in the surrounding foliage, right down to the outfits the approaching cavalry are wearing. This tapestry is lined and has a tunnel for easy hanging.