Antique Greenery Tapestries  French or Flemish  Buying & Selling

Antique Greenery Tapestries | French or Flemish | Buying & Selling at Galerie Lissier at Paris

Antique Greenery French or Flemish Tapestry for Wall Hanging Decoration 

from the 16th, 17th, 18th Century: Aubusson, Audenarde, Brussels

The history of fine European interior design is deeply intertwined with the art of prestigious textile weaving. For centuries, monumental woven masterworks were considered the ultimate symbols of prestige, artistic genius, and wealth among royalty and aristocracy. Among these timeless treasures, antique greenery tapestries—historically known as Verdures—hold a uniquely revered place. These spectacular wall hanging decorations transform grand rooms into lush, immortal gardens woven into the very walls.

At Galerie Lissier in Paris, located a stone’s throw from the Eiffel Tower, we specialize in the curation, valuation, buying, and selling of authentic French and Flemish greenery tapestries dating from the 16th, 17th, and 18th centuries. Whether you are looking to acquire a rare Aubusson masterpiece, a historical Oudenaarde (Audenarde) weaving, or a grand Brussels wall hanging, our family-owned gallery offers an unparalleled selection of certified textile art heritage.

What is an Antique Greenery (Verdure) Tapestry?

An antique greenery tapestry is a refined textile work of art where the natural world takes center stage. Originating in the late Middle Ages and reaching its artistic zenith during the Renaissance and Baroque eras, the Verdure genre focuses primarily on lush vegetation, dense foliage, masterfully rendered trees, and pastoral landscapes.

Far from being simple backdrops, these tapestries often feature rich wildlife—such as herons standing by winding streams, hunting dogs, exotic birds, and occasionally mythological or hunting scenes nestled within idealized forests. Woven by hand using noble materials like high-quality wool and silk, these tapestries allowed European nobility to "bring nature inside" their historic châteaux and townhouses, adding both visual grandeur and thermal warmth to drafty stone walls. Over the centuries, the original natural vegetable dyes have aged gracefully into sophisticated, muted palettes of sage greens, terracotta, antique creams, and deep indigo blues.

The Prestigious Manufactories: Aubusson, Audenarde, and Brussels

Our collection spans the most illustrious weaving centers of France and Flanders, each known for its specific techniques, cartoonists, and stylistic identity:

Aubusson Greenery Tapestries (France): The Royal Manufacture of Aubusson created some of the most celebrated tapestries in the world. Particularly famous in the 17th and 18th centuries, Aubusson verdures often integrated rocaille borders, exquisite atmospheric depth, and compositions inspired by great painters like Jean-Baptiste Oudry.

Oudenaarde / Audenarde Verdures (Flanders): Located in modern-day Belgium, Audenarde was the undisputed capital of Flemish greenery tapestries during the 16th and 17th centuries. Audenarde tapestries are highly sought after for their dense, voluminous foliage, historical hunting narratives, and bold, theatrical compositions.

Brussels Tapestries (Flanders): As the elite hub of Renaissance weaving, Brussels workshops produced tapestries of extraordinary fineness, often incorporating intricate borders and luxury silk threads to appeal to the highest imperial courts of Europe.

Buying & Selling Antique Tapestries at Galerie Lissier Paris

Navigating the international market for antique textiles requires deep historical knowledge, passion, and certified expertise. Founded in 1991 and proud member of the Syndicat National du Commerce de l'Antiquité (SNCAO), Galerie Lissier is a globally trusted authority for private collectors, international decorators, and museums.

Looking to Buy?

We regularly curate an exquisite catalog of 16th to 18th-century wall hangings. An antique tapestry acts as "warm art," absorbing sound, improving room acoustics, and injecting historic luxury into diverse spaces—from minimalist modern penthouses to classical estates. Every purchase comes with a rigorous certificate of authenticity.

Looking to Sell?

If you own an antique French or Flemish tapestry and wish to sell it, our experts offer professional valuation, valuation reports, and direct purchasing services. We evaluate your textile’s origin, weave density, state of conservation, and historical relevance to ensure you receive the true market value.

Our Artisan Workshop: Restoration & Traditional Cleaning

An antique textile is a fragile piece of human history. To preserve the longevity, strength, and vibrancy of your investment, Galerie Lissier houses its own craft restoration and conservation workshop in Paris.

Before any tapestry is offered for sale or delivered to a client, it undergoes an expert inspection, thorough traditional cleaning (dust removal and hand washing), and the addition of a custom hand-sewn linen lining to facilitate safe wall hanging. Our master artisans also handle delicate repairs using matching period-correct wool and silk threads, ensuring that the legacy of these 400-year-old masterpieces endures for generations to come.

Visit Our Showroom in Paris: We invite you to explore our ever-evolving collection of historic weavings. Contact Alexis (Showroom Manager) or Emmanuel (Manager & Workshop Head) to schedule a private viewing or to request a worldwide shipping quote.

Contact Information

Address: Galerie Lissier, 40 Avenue Bosquet, 75007 Paris, France

Opening Hours: Tuesday to Saturday, 10:30 AM to 7:00 PM

Phone / WhatsApp: +33 (0)6 14 05 21 14 / +33 (0)6 41 50 54 40

Email: info@galerielissier.fr