This tapestry is from the series of hangings known as La Vie Seigneuriale (The Nobles way of life), which was woven in the Loire Valley in France around 1500. It depicts the activities of noble folk of the period, at the time of Louis XII. The figures are dressed in the Italian style which was introduced into France after Charles VIII conquered Naples in 1495. With a background of leaves and flowers dotted with birds, this design is typical of the fifteenth century tapestries which became known as the mille-fleurs (Thousand Flowers) style, possibly inspired by the custom of strewing cut flowers on the ground on fte days. The original series of tapestries was purchased in 1852 from a noble family at Rouen in northern France, and is now at the Cluny museum in Paris. This beautiful tapestry is woven on a jacquard loom by skilled weavers, keeping alive the centuries old tradition of tapestry manufacturing from generation to generation. This tapestry is fully lined incorporating a sleeve along the top for hanging with a Hines hanging rod. Alternatively, this tapestry can be hung with a wooden batten which is a concealed method of hanging. Composition: 89% cotton, 11% polyester Finish on reverse: This tapestry is fully backed with luxury cotton lining incorporating a sleeve along the top for hanging purposes.