From 1752 on, the very fast progress made in the construction of the Royal Palace of Caserta marked the “turning point” in tapestry production. In this case, Charles and Vanvitelli decided the subject of each tapestry and its final place. In particular, the King wanted the series of tapestries depicting the Histories of Don Quixote to be completed. The manufacture of this series had been started in the Factory of Gobelins between 1730 and 1735, donated by Louis XV to the Duke of Campofiorito, who in turn had donated it to Charles. In 1757 the Roman Pietro Duranti received this important task. He was an expert in this field and could hire new tapestry makers since it was clear that Charles wanted to improve the quality and therefore many tapestry makers were called from Rome and Turin.

Psyche and Her Sisters in Cupid’s Palace

The new factory was divided into two laboratories, one specialised in high-heald tapestries and directed by Duranti, the other destined to low-heald tapestries and initially directed by Del Rosso, who was then replaced by Orlando Filippini, a very good master of tapestry weaving. The great quality improvement of those years was especially due to Duranti – who was however advised by Vanvitelli.

Other important series of tapestries were weaved; among the most beautiful ones, we must mention: Allegories of Virtues 1763-1767), destined to the Belvedere Room at the Palace of Naples; the myth of Eros and Psyche (1783-1786); the Events in the Life of Henry IV, etc.  

Henry IV gets reconciled with Sully

In November 1778 the factory was moved and located in some rooms of the Royal Palace of Naples, where in those years Durante completed a tapestry depicting Cleopatra. Unfortunately, during the sad days of the Neapolitan Republic in 1799, huge damage was made to the factory and this also marked the end of the tapestry school. The last series of tapestries - six tapestries dedicated to the Royal Apotheosis - date back to the ‘90s . In total, the factory produced 213 tapestries. An artistic patrimony of an immense value.