[Sidenote:
_Wool._
H. 7 _ft._ 10 _in._
W. 10 _ft._ 7 _in._
]
MILLEFLEURS WITH SHEPHERDS AND THE SHIELD OF THE RIGAUT FAMILY:
_Against a background of conventionalized millefleurs, shepherds and
shepherdesses and their flock. In the center, two peasants holding a
shield, evidently of the Rigaut family. In the corners the shield of
Rigaut and of another family. The tapestry was evidently made to celebrate
a marriage, the corner shields signifying the joining of the families,
an oblique reference being intended in the pairing of the shepherds and
shepherdesses. A scroll in the center bears the inscription "Par Içi Passe
Rigaut."_
[Sidenote: Lent by _P. W. French & Company_.]
The naïveté both of the characterization and of the drawing that
emphasizes the structural and silhouette character of the figures
contributes greatly to the charm of this piece. The clean, sharp rendering
of the millefleurs enhances the decorative effect. The piece is probably
the work of a small provincial loom.
[Sidenote: 11]