The Portique de Junon
Translated this means, "Door of
Juno, Queen of Heaven"
This tapestry is from the Seasons and Elements series of tapestries,
which coincidentally was also the first series of tapestries to
be woven at the Goblins Tapestries Works, in France, when it was
reopened in 1699.
The original design (known as "the cartoon") for this
tapestry was by Claude Audran III. Beneath fragile canopies, Juno
typifying Air is shown sitting on a cloud. Beside her the winged
chid Iris. The face of the wind is in the clouds beneath them.
Above are crossed septors and crown decorated with feathers. The
floral garland above is supported by birds. Intricate architectural
arabesques decorated with peacocks are on both sides of opening.
Below are two putti (little angels) playing musical instruments.
Juno was also guardian of finances. This is alluded to in the
central urn below the organ pipes, filled with coins and jewelry.
The rose background was applied to late works in the series and
brings added warmth to the piece, which stems from 1784. Some
of the original pieces are on display at the Fine Arts Museums
of San Francisco, CA, USA.
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