French tapestry manufacturers began to challenge the long-standing dominance of the Flemish industry, in the mid 17th

century. After King Louis X1V's conquest of Lille in 1667, this prosperous Nothern city became an important centre of tapestry production.



Though French in name many of its enterpreneurs emigrated from Flanders. In 1688, the weaver Jean de Melter

established a workshop in Lille. De Melter was succeeded by his son-in-law Guillaume Werniers in 1701.



The subject matter of an abundance of fruit and vegetation indicates the season of Spring with produce from

harvesting. The figure of a strolling man witha spade can be found on numerous Tenier tapestries of the same 

period also made at Wernier's workshop, The tapestry retains original fresh colour and is made with wool and 

silk threads.