Nazmiyal Collection Antique French Savonnerie Rug. 13 ft x 16 ft 1 in

The Savonnerie workshops were established in 1615 by Pierre DuPont, but later the name was used to describe rugs created at other rug centers that were in a similar style and fashion. They were originally created for the French courts and used in government buildings. This accounts for their large-scale designs and overall size. They remained popular among the upper levels of society through the centuries and have found their way into many fine collections.

In the 18th century, an attempt was made to “modernize” many of the earlier Renaissance designs. The colors became brighter, and they began introducing Rococo elements, as you see in this piece. You will often see elements, like the fleur de lis or the heraldry of a family in the design. Napoleon influenced Savonnerie carpet designs when he began commissioning carpets in the Empire Style. In 1825, the Savonnerie carpet workshop merged with the Gobelin Manufactory, but it continued to produce its exquisite masterpieces.