French Country · Encyclopedia · Tableware, Kitchen and Decorative Objects
Tapestry
Woven wall hangings, French Aubusson and verdure tapestries.
Tapestry & Needlework · Indicative US retail $150–$10,000
At a glance
- Family: Tapestry & Needlework
- Periods most often found: Most on the market date from 1850 to 1950.
- Typical price: about $800; range $150 to $10,000 and more for exceptional pieces
- What drives value: Size, age, subject
What it is
Tapestries are handwoven wall hangings. French workshops at Aubusson and Felletin (in the Creuse), Beauvais and the Gobelins in Paris wove verdures (foliage and birds), pastoral and hunting scenes, coats of arms and later, in the 20th century, modern designs by Jean Lurçat. Many 19th- and 20th-century Aubusson panels, entrefenêtres and fragments are on the market, along with machine-woven reproductions.
How to identify and date it
On a handwoven tapestry, the back shows the same image with loose threads; machine-woven ones show a regular grid and the same image on both sides without irregularities. Check fading, holes, reweaving, stains and whether a hanging sleeve has been sewn on. Size, age and subject drive value.
Periods and styles
Most on the market date from 1850 to 1950.
How much is it worth?
On the US retail market, most tapestry examples ask around $800. Simple or worn pieces start near $150, while documented, signed or exceptional examples can pass $10,000. The main value drivers are: size, age, subject. These are indicative ranges, not an appraisal; see our price guide for French antiques for the method.
Questions buyers ask: antique french tapestry appraisal. The answer depends on the points below, which are worth checking before you compare prices.
Before you buy
- Check the back
- Inspect repairs and fading
- Measure
Living with it
A tapestry on a stone or plaster wall softens a room and absorbs sound.
How we write these guides: identification notes are general guidance written by French Country; a style name, a region or a resemblance does not by itself date or attribute a piece. Price ranges are indicative US retail asking prices for antique and vintage examples in sound condition (dealers, specialist marketplaces and auctions), estimated and rounded as of November 2026; check recent sold results before relying on a figure. They are not appraisals or offers to buy or sell: condition, provenance and documentation can move a value far outside the range. For insurance, estates or sales, ask an independent, qualified appraiser for a written valuation.