This tapestry depicts the capture of the town of Lille in August 1667 by the French army from the occupying Spaniards. The siege took place following the same procedure that had proved successful in the previous conquests of Tournai and Doune. Once more the personal role of the King was pivotal to its success.

The siege of Lille seemed so difficult that Louvois and Turenne had sought to dissuade Louis XIV to participate himself in the excursion. The sovereign, however, knowing how strategic Lille was, and how strong the determination of the city to withstand the siege, purposed to ensure a successful outcome to the campaign.

Louis XIV who arrived on August 10 immediately took charge over the directing of operations. The presence of the King naturally fortified the French soldiers morale. My Orders wrote King Louis XIV, were executed with such zeal that the city was reduced to extremity before the Spaniards might learn what was in danger. The city surrendered during the night of August 27 and the King made hid entry to the city that day.

The original tapestry was woven around 1670 at the Royal Gobelins Manufactory in Paris, and is now at the Chateau de Versailles.

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 Fleur de Lys hanging rod. Alternatively, this tapestry can be hung with a wooden batten which is a concealed method of hanging.

• Tapestry Type     Loom Woven
• Woven in             France
• Composition      52% cotton,  48% wool
• Dimensions       150 x 224 cm
• Price                   $2,950