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Identification and Creation

Object Number
1954.128
People
Woven by Pierre Mercier, Flemish
Title
Pastoral Scene with Nymphs and Shepherds
Other Titles
Former Title: Apollo, the Muses and Pan in a Landscape
Classification
Textile Arts
Work Type
tapestry
Date
c. 1715
Places
Creation Place: Europe, Germany, Dresden
Culture
German?
Persistent Link
https://hvrd.art/o/215030

Physical Descriptions

Medium
Textile fibers
Dimensions
327.7 x 341.6 cm (129 x 134 1/2 in.)

Provenance

Recorded Ownership History
Mrs. Cortlandt Parker, gift; to Fogg Art Museum, 1954

Acquisition and Rights

Credit Line
Harvard Art Museums/Fogg Museum, Gift of Mrs. Cortlandt Parker
Accession Year
1954
Object Number
1954.128
Division
European and American Art
Contact
am_europeanamerican@harvard.edu
Permissions

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Descriptions

Description
Mythological scene possibly showing Apollo, Muses and the shepherd, Pan in a landscape, signed "MERCIER A DRESDEN". This tapestry depicts a pastoral scene or an unidentified mythological subject in a wooded setting. In the center appears a draped figure holding a bouquet of flowers, possibly Flora. To the left, several scantily clad nymphs sit languorously. A young shepherd enters the scene at right. At left, another shepherd raised on a promontory plays the syrinx as his sheep graze in the distance.The border simulates a carved and gilt frame decorated with acanthus leaves and arabesques. Although it was woven in Dresden, this panel bears the visual imprint (lush landscape, classicizing figures) of tapestries from the French Aubusson workshop, and according to the weaver's inscription, it was woven by Pierre Mercier. Mercier was in fact an Aubusson weaver, but fled France in 1686 because of Huguenot persecution. Mercier first settled in Berlin, then migrated to Dresden in 1713 to set up a weaving workshop for Frederick Augustus, elector of Saxony. Because of its Dresden localization, the tapestry must date from 1713 to 1729 (the year of Mercier's death).

Verification Level

This record has been reviewed by the curatorial staff but may be incomplete. Our records are frequently revised and enhanced. For more information please contact the Division of European and American Art at am_europeanamerican@harvard.edu