Alentours (borders)

Refers to a decorative border for tapestries, first developed at the Gobelins tapestry manufactory in around 1714, probably with the Don Quixote series of tapestries designed by Coypel. It is characterized by simulating a thick, rich damask border that surrounds a relatively small scene. The border is typically decorated with trompe l'oeile garlands of ribbons, flowers, animals, ropes, or fruit.