[Sidenote:
_Wool and Silk._
H. 10 _ft._
W. 8 _ft._ 8 _in._
]
HERMES AND THE SHEPHERD: _Hermes has taken the Shepherd's pipe, leaving
the caduceus on the ground, and is attempting to play. They are in a wood
with large flowers in the foreground. In the background there is a glimpse
of a hilly landscape and a formal garden with fountains. Wide floral
border._
[Sidenote: Lent by _Mrs. James Creelman_.]
The piece is one of a set of five verdures, most of which have hunting
scenes. While there is no signature, and there are no records on them, the
character of the foliage and of the floreation makes it almost certain
that these are of Beauvais manufacture. While in some details they
resemble contemporary Aubusson tapestries, the quality of the color is
rather different.
They are a particularly deep and quiet type of verdure, an excellent
background for fine furnishings. The quality of the greens is uncommonly
fine.
[Sidenote: 51]