A ST. PETERSBURG PILE CARPET

The Imperial Tapestry Factory was established in 1716 in the vicinity of St. Petersburg by Peter the Great (reigned 1682-1725) and produced tapestries as well as flat-woven and knotted pile carpets, such as this lot, for the court. The repeat design of realistically drawn floral wreath medallions takes its inspiration from French Neoclassical taste popular in Russia in the early 19th century. The well-balanced design and fine weave of this piece makes it an elegant example of a Russian carpet executed in the French fashion. For further discussion of Russian and related carpet weaving traditions please see S. Sherrill, Carpets and Rugs of Europe and America, Abbeville Press, 1995.