Spain and Portugal
Spain is one of the greatest repositories of Flemish tapestries. In the early years of the 18th century King Felipe V decided to establish his own workshops, Real Fábrica de Tapices y Alfombras de Santa Barbara in Madrid and appointed a Fleming, named Stuyck, as director in 1720. The Real Fabrica still exists in Madrid today and until only recently was a Stuyck descendant no longer its director. The manufactory’s high point came with the appointment of Francisco Goya (1746 – 1828) as artistic director and his tapestry series are the most joyful tapestries every conceived.
In Portugal a tapestry manufactory was established in Lisbon during the reign the John V (1706 – 1750) under the direction of Luis Caetano. However, the country was famed for its embroidery, known as "Arraiolos." There is a famous series of early 16th century tapestries depicting Portuguese explorers in India (Museu do Caramulo), but these were woven in Tournai. Tapestry workshops were again established in the 20th century with many designs supplied by the artist Jean Lurçat (1892 –1966).
The Shepherd
Price on application
Santa Barbara Tapestry after David Teniers II (1610 – 1690)
Spain, 18th Century
8ft 4in width x 8ft 10in height
2.54m x 2.69m
price on application
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Young Boy Playing Cup and Ball, or Bilboquet
Price on application
Entre-fenêtre Tapestry
After a cartoon designed by Francisco de Goya (1746 – 1828)
or his brother-in-law, Francisco Bayeu (1734 – 1795)
Spain, Second Half 18th Century
3ft 10in width x 7ft 9in height
1.17m x 2.36m -
