Manufacture Royale de Bruxelles

Carton of Laurent van Schoor

Woven in wool, silk and metal threads

1700 circa

The Carton/Design for this tapestry, which is one Tapestry of a set of four Tapestries, has been created by the Netherland’s artist Laurent van Schoor. “ Laurent van Schoor was accepted as a master in Antwerp in 1664 and later enrolled in the Brussel Painters guild in 1678. He died in 1726.” (Guy Delmarcel, Flemish Tapestry, 1999 p. 306-308.). The set displays in allegorical scenes the four continents: Asia, Africa, Europe and America. The cartons of Laurent van Schoor were highly appreciated and therefore produced in several measurements in several Brussels workshops.This tapestry is attributed to the workshop of Albert Auwercx, who was especially famous for the quality in weave and coloring. A set of the ‘The Continents’ is in the Imperial Collection in Vienna (series LXIV).

The Godess Europe is seated on a throne, surrounded by flowers. Near to her feet several crowns are emphasizing her glory. She is surrounded by military trophies and symbols of the different arts and sciences.

Lit.: Guy Delmarcel, Flemish Tapestry, (1999), p. 306-308. – Dario Boccara, Les belles heures de la Tapisserie, (1971), p. 150. – Dora Heinz, Europaeische Tapisseriekunst, Vienna, (1995), P. 36.