Full-Length Tapestries

Title

Full-Length Tapestries

Description

1900? Two long tapestries formed from panels presenting fables of La Fontaine. About 10' x 18". Backed substantially. Gift of Gay Wirth of Wirthmore Antiques, New Orleans, August, '18.

In the 1980's I visited, among other New Orleans antiques stories, Wirthmore Antiques, specializing in French country antiques. I noticed two tapestries. I asked the owner, Gay Wirth, if she knew that these were representations of the fables of La Fontaine, and I walked through the fables pictured there. Were the tapestries, I asked, for sale? "No," she answered. "They are for now part of our décor. But I will be happy to get in touch with you when we change the décor." I was happy to look forward to that day! In 2018, I happened to be visiting New Orleans again. In the midst of an enjoyable visit, I wondered whatever had happened to Wirthmore Antiques. It turned out that they still were in business, though they had moved from their original venue. I called, and Ms. Wirth was delighted that I did. "Oh, Father, we had lost your name. We still have the tapestries. Could you come tomorrow?" I came and she laid out those two lovely tapestries that I had loved at first sight. Ms. Wirth said she was impressed with the fable collection and wanted to contribute the two tapestries! What a great gift! On the train ride home, when I needed to move to visit the dining car, I remember carrying the tapestries, nicely bundled at the antiques store, on my shoulder. I would not let them out of my sight!

Source

Gift of Gay Wirth of Wirthmore Antiques, New Orleans, August, '18.

Date

1900?

Subject

Cloth See all items with this value

Full-Length Tapestries See all items with this value

Tapestries See all items with this value

The Heron See all items with this value

The Little Fish and the Fisherman See all items with this value

The Fox and the Crow See all items with this value

The Milkmaid See all items with this value

The Lion and the Ass Hunting See all items with this value

The Goose With the Golden Eggs See all items with this value

The Horse and the Wolf See all items with this value