Antique Tapestries & Woven Wall Art

Authenticating an antique tapestry requires a trained eye and a methodical approach. Begin by examining the reverse: on a genuine period piece, the linen or cotton warp threads are visible and evenly spaced, and the colours are often fresher on the back than on the face. A signed Aubusson tapestry or one bearing a woven manufacture cartouche — sometimes incorporated into the selvedge — commands a significantly higher value. Flemish pieces from the 16th and 17th centuries frequently display a city mark and a weaver's mark woven into the border, which can be cross-referenced against documented records. In terms of budget, a well-executed antique tapestry can be acquired from a few hundred pounds or euros for a decorative fragment or small panel, rising to tens of thousands for a royal-manufacture piece in fine condition with documented provenance. Condition is paramount: check for the absence of major losses, the soundness of the warp structure and the consistency of any restorations. Well-executed early repairs are entirely acceptable and do not fundamentally diminish value. For conservation, avoid direct sunlight, which irreversibly degrades natural dyes. The ideal hanging method is a strip of velcro sewn along the upper selvedge, distributing the weight evenly across the full width. An annual light vacuuming with a low-suction nozzle held behind a fine mesh screen is sufficient for routine maintenance. For stains or structurally fragile areas, always entrust cleaning to a specialist textile conservator. Every piece on Antiquités en France is offered by a verified professional dealer who can provide high-resolution photographs, precise dimensions and a full condition report on request. You may also wish to explore our antique watercolours and gouaches to complement a tapestry in a considered wall display, or browse our antique posters and prints for further frameable works. Contact your chosen dealer directly for any valuation or export enquiry.