Armchair (one of a set of four) 18th century

This armchair was crafted in the workshops of Aubusson, showcasing a tapestry brimming with flora and fauna, evoking a sense of earthly paradise. Note the prominent parrot and playful monkey amidst lush foliage. These creatures are not merely decorative; they carry symbolic weight. The motif of the monkey, often associated with imitation and earthly desires, contrasts with the parrot, which can represent mimicry of divine speech or knowledge. We see the monkey and parrot echoed through centuries, from medieval bestiaries to Renaissance allegories. Consider how these animals, once charged with moral lessons, have been transformed in this setting into mere ornaments, reflecting a shift towards aesthetic appreciation. The tapestry resonates with the collective unconscious, tapping into primal memories of nature's abundance and its inherent duality: the innocent beauty alongside untamed instinct. The tapestry covering this armchair becomes more than just a seat; it is a repository of cultural memory, inviting us to contemplate the complex relationship between humanity and the natural world, a theme ever-present in the tapestry of history.