Portières des amours des dieux

The chosen tapestry as a secret work from the museum's important collection is a valuable 17th-century Gobelins depicting Jupiter, belonging to the series Portières des amours des dieux, based on a design by Claude Audran III (cm 334 x 237). Other examples were made from the same design, including one at the Musée du Louvre and another at Windsor Castle. Its preservation and enhancement represent a true challenge for the museum: the difficulty also lies in conveying love and passion for objects that are no longer in use, but are the result of complex manual work and great craftsmanship: a true artistic "enterprise." The production of a tapestry indeed requires years of work, specialized artisans working exclusively by hand without the aid of a loom. The materials used, in addition to wool, include silks and gold threads—precious and delicate materials to work with that do not lose color over time and allow for incredible definition and richness of decor.
Roberta Genta, Head of the Textile Restoration Laboratory at the Center for the Conservation and Restoration of Cultural Heritage "La Venaria Reale," will discuss the secret work and events of this edition.