Portiere I

At one time portieres were used as coverings over doorways and windows in castles. They helped control the draft that was often present, because of the expanses of halls and corridors that had no insulation. As the portiere evolved, it also became a work of art. Once just a simple piece of fabric, these coverings were later adorned with ornate and intricate designs that rivaled the works of some of the finest artists of the time. This particular portiere is woven in the directoire style, which was popular shortly after the reign of King Louis XVI ended. This particular work was inspired by the murals commissioned by Princesse De Polignac for her palace. The work is exquisite and faithful to the original. It comes lined at the back and has a tunnel for easy hanging.