La Recolte des Ananas III

A wonderful tapestry of La Recolte des Ananas or Pineapple Harvest from a design from 17th century France. Harvest of Pineapples or La Recolte des Ananas tapestry is one of ten tapestries called “The History of the Chinese Emperor” created at the Beauvais Manufacture, commissioned by Louis Alexandre de Bourbon, son of King Louis XIV. It was at the end of the 17th century, that Jesuite missionaries returned from journeys to the East with tales of exoticism and Oriental cultures and artworks. It was these tales from travels which began the fascination of Oriental and Asian culture, by French artists. This fascination resulted in tapestries such as this series which showed Oriental influences. Here we see the villagers harvesting pineapples in a field filled with tall pineapple plants. Oriental hats and attire can be seen on some harvesters and a member of nobility is seen supervising the harvesters. In the distance, Oriental buildings can be seen in the distance which becomes misty as it disappears into the clouds which suggest impending tropical rain. A gorgeous border filled with flowers and heraldry frames this wonderful scene. This French Oriental tapestry “La Recolte des Ananas III” is backed with lining and a tunnel for ease of hanging.