[Sidenote:
_Wool and Silk._
H. 9 _ft._ 8 _in._
W. 16 _ft._ 5 _in._
]
CHINESE GROTESQUE: _Under an arbor clowns conduct a circus. Above the
arbor are scrolls, garlands, birds, musical instruments, and other
decorations. On a yellow ground._
This is one of a famous series of grotesques by Berain on a yellow ground,
woven several times at the Beauvais works when they were under the
direction of Behagle.[31]
The entertaining fantasy of the conception, together with the delicate
drawing and the beautiful ground color, makes this one of the finest
grotesques of the XVIIIth century.
[Sidenote: Lent by _P. W. French & Company_.]
Jean Berain (1638-1711) was appointed in 1674 designer to the king,
and in this position designed the scenery and costumes for the court
ballets. He is famous for his decorations.
[Sidenote: 60, 61]