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Les Saltimbanques (The Entertainers)

A work made of wool and cotton; tapestry weave.

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  • A work made of wool and cotton; tapestry weave.

Date:

1959

Artist:

Designed by Liliane Badin (Belgian, 1929-2012)
Woven by Gaspard De Wit (1892–1971) at the Royal Tapestry Manufacturer (Koninklijke Manufactuur van Wandtapijten Gaspard De Wit) (Belgian, founded 1889)
Belgium, Mechelen

About this artwork

This tapestry features a variety of traveling street performers flanked by a well-dressed audience. Vertical forms predominate, and the elongated bodies of the figures, the patterning of their costumes, and the stripes of the tent all draw attention to the small cottages in the background. While the entertainers endeavor to delight the spectators, the horse and carriage in the background hint at the transitory character of their lives—and, in fact, the fleeting nature of life regardless of one’s circumstances.

Status

Currently Off View

Department

Textiles

Artist

Liliane Badin (Designer)

Title

Les Saltimbanques (The Entertainers)

Place

Belgium (Object made in)

Date  Dates are not always precisely known, but the Art Institute strives to present this information as consistently and legibly as possible. Dates may be represented as a range that spans decades, centuries, dynasties, or periods and may include qualifiers such as c. (circa) or BCE.

Made 1959

Medium

Wool and cotton; tapestry weave

Dimensions

300.5 × 168.9 cm (118 1/4 × 66 1/2 in.)

Credit Line

Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Samuel R. Garber

Reference Number

1974.385

Extended information about this artwork

Object information is a work in progress and may be updated as new research findings emerge. To help improve this record, please email . Information about image downloads and licensing is available here.

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