History of Tapestries

Nature scenes, also known as “verdures” or “green scenes” grew popular in the 1600s. One weaving center famous for producing verdures was the medieval Flemish town called Oudennarde in Belgium. For centuries, Oudennarde Tapestries were so popular among European royalty that they were produced and delivered to kings across the continent, from Poland to Spain. Verdures evoke the beauty and quiet serenity of the forest without being bound by specific time or location. Images of trees, plants, birds, animals, and water are primary, while buildings and people are either minor or completely missing. The timeless beauty of nature scenes fit easily with any décor.

Some examples of verdures on this page include Clairmarais, Forest, Le Lignon. Another Oudennarde product was the Flemish “large leaf” tapestries (e.g., Aristolochia Leaves).

King Louis the XIV, so loved tapestry that he had 2,155 in his collection upon his death. He and other noblemen of his time were fond of portico scenes, displaying their vast estates (e.g., Chateau Bellevue). Replicas of landscapes that include royal palaces, castles, and chateax are stunning in homes building on the classic “old world” theme.

Fine art paintings are now replicated in tapestry form with a rich, texture effect. Hunting in the Snow, originally a painting by Brueghel, is one example. Landscapes and port scenes range from a historic, traditional look to quite contemporary, modern designs.

Here are just a few examples of several hundred other landscape and port scenes available from European weavers!


	Nature scenes, also known as “verdures” or “green scenes” grew popular in the 1600s. One weaving center famous for producing verdures was the medieval Flemish town called Oudennarde in Belgium. For centuries, Oudennarde Tapestries were so popular among European royalty that they were produced and delivered to kings across the continent, from Poland to Spain. Verdures evoke the beauty and quiet serenity of the forest without being bound by specific time or location. Images of trees, plants, birds, animals, and water are primary, while buildings and people are either minor or completely missing. The timeless beauty of nature scenes fit easily with any décor. Some examples of verdures on this page include Clairmarais, Forest, Le Lignon. Another Oudennarde product was the Flemish “large leaf” tapestries (e.g., Aristolochia Leaves). King Louis the XIV, so loved tapestry that he had 2,155 in his collection upon his death. He and other noblemen of his time were fond of portico scenes, displaying their vast estates (e.g., Chateau Bellevue). Replicas of landscapes that include royal palaces, castles, and chateax are stunning in homes building on the classic “old world” theme. Fine art paintings are now replicated in tapestry form with a rich, texture effect. Hunting in the Snow, originally a painting by Brueghel, is one example. Landscapes and port scenes range from a historic, traditional look to quite contemporary, modern designs. Here are just a few examples of several hundred other landscape and port scenes available from European weavers!
		Close Window