This tapestry shows an exotic Asian elephant covered with rich carpets and ornaments. This panel is inspired from a famous 19th century tapestry on display in the Louvre Museum in Paris. It was woven at a carpet factory in Aubusson established by Alexis Sallandrouze, 1808-67. The design, attributed to Jean-Baptiste-Amde Couder, 1797-1864, draws on a number of different sources. By introducing these exotic influences, the tapestry contributed to a revival of the decorative arts in France in the 1840's. The luxuriant landscape is framed by pairs of twisted columns. The ornamental border is very rich. Beyond this architectural frame lies a luminous landscape in which an Asian elephant can be seen passing between a palm and a banana tree. The elephant, richly caparisoned from top to toe. This is an antique tapestry reproduction from France!