The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1853-08-26
FRENCH DEPARTMENT
GOBLIN TAPEsrR,

,e G4n- GOEELIN TAPESrRf.
One Of the great attractions at the Palace, at the
present time, is the Gobeln tapestry, which has at
last been arranged in the section assigned it, where
it Is ready for the examination Of vsiters. The
novelty Of heee articles makes them very interesting
to our people, and On account Of their origin and
manufacture win not be out Of place.
About the middle Of the fifteenth century, Giles
Gobelin wooldyer In Paris, invented beautiful
scarlet color for dying wool and silk, from which
discovery spring the Goben tapestries of the present
day. This color was superior to anything which
had ever been introduced up to that time, and was
called Gobelin scarlet in honor of the tTadesman
from whom it had its origin. During the lifetime Of
the inventor many improvements were introduced,
and Mr.. G0balin, while he lived, commenced the
manufacture Of these tapestries; but his works
not being at the time appreciated or patronized
by the public, he was not very successful in for
warding bis new discovery, and even during
the time Of many Of his successors these beau
ifal tapestries were very indinerently sustained.
About the time of Francis ]. they had grown in
importance as q manufactured fabric, and were
after recognized being superior to any tapestries
that had ever yet had existence. Against great
obstacles, opposing the first inventor and his sue
cessors till this time the mandatory of the Gobe
Inns had gradually progressed, and was now firmly
esabIished through its own merits that it was above
the reach Of opposition, and renowned throughout
the world. The establishment had not drawn much
attention from the government till the time Of Louis
XIV, when it was regarded by that monarch 50 n
terestng branch Of French manufactures, that he
purchased it for the State; 1t has since remain
ed the property Of the government, and been sup
ported by the State by large yearly appropriations,
and it's tapestries belong to, and at the disposal
Df the bead Of the government, er-o6Tcio. This
mandatory of the G0bein tapestries has been sub
ected TO as many changes as the government ITSELF
having its seasons Of prosperity and adversely accord
ing as the Stote rocked upon the tumutuous Of
political agitation. Bat through rise and fall under
Bourbon ard Orleans, Republic, or Napoleon dynas-
ty this institution has always attracted the pride Of
the nation and been maintained through calm and
storm During the time Of the late Republic 1t was
sorely tried and its continued existence Was doubted
by It's warlest friends. However, it surlnounted
this, Ike many former trials, and is now vigorous
and prosperous. Ii tic Gobelin manufactures are
employ ed the superior artists Of the nation and the
head manager is generally one Of the dist painters
of his tine At the present day about one hundred
and fifty vorkinen are employed by this establish.
drcd dollars each per year. After the expiration Of
the term OF Apprenticeship no employee is allowed to
kaye, ard limited number Of apprentices arc I'd
United annually. One Of the great beauties Of this
establishment is, it protects its workmen against
the misiortunes Of lie and the nirmities of age
When the Weakness Of age. takes hold OF them, or
ifby accident they are disabled from learning their
bread by she sweat OF their brow they are pen
stoned snd supported by tho government during
Sifetime. Although, az cited above the rules forbid
leaving The mannfaotory after the service of nun.
Der OF years, yet other nations of Europe, desrous
OF emulating the French in these tapestries, have
suceeeueu AT various times in sedncins from the es-
Ssbishrnent some Of it, artists Russia succeeded in
collecting nu1nber If these artists at Moscow,
vhere they designed manufacturing these fabrics
out the citrate not being favorable, and the chem
cal properties OF the Goben river being wanted, the
intention was given up as failure.
q Ore great interest or the estabisnen. ia IA tho
Hrethod In which the articles are manufactured Tho
web or warp is placed upright, instead of horizontal
os in most ca>es, and the workman sits behind Il.
fhat u.s. 10 works on the wrong side The picture
which no Is copying Is placed behind and little 10
one side OF him, at which he looks from time 10 time
IN order that his picture in tapestry may be an ex
act representation Of the model. The workman sits
al The back or wrong side of his picture because The
1ee mna present perfectly smooth surface aud all
che cuttings and fastenings are therefore made ON
The wrong side. The warp Is white ana Of the finest
Wool ~ y double, that IS has two upIigt tiers Of
thread, With an Interval Of half en- iach Then with