A King’s Carpet: Louis XIV and the Savonnerie

In the 17th century, Louis XIV ordered the creation of a previously unprecedented floor decoration for the Grand Gallery of the Louvre. The Metropolitan Museum of Art today highlights one of these monumental pieces from the prestigious Savonnerie manufactory. This colossal carpet testifies to an exceptional level of craftsmanship where every knot served to stage royal power. Beyond its simple function, the work stands as a textile painting with remarkable precision in floral and symbolic motifs. Admiring such a piece allows one to grasp the opulence of the French court and the major influence of decorative arts on the European scene. This rare presentation offers a privileged encounter with history within the Met’s galleries, from September 8, 2026 to March 5, 2028.