Alexander and Porus

The Gobelins were a family of dyers who, in the middle of the 15th century, established themselves in Paris. In 1662, this works with the adjoining grounds, were purchased by Jean-Baptiste Colbert, Minister of Finance, on behalf of Louis XIV and made into a general upholstery factory, in which designs both in tapestry and in all kinds of furniture were executed. He appointed Le Brun director of the Gobelin works (Manufacture des Gobelins), where there was a network of workshops supplying tapestries, furniture, gold work and silverware, locksmiths, mosaics, and the Crown’s marquetry. Le Brun served as director and chief designer from 1663-1690. His influence here was considerable, he designed everything and supervised production.