19th-century set of 6 French tapestry preparatory paintings - "carton d'Aubusson"

A set of six patchwork tapestry "carton d'Aubusson" preparatory paintings for a settee/bench dating from the nineteenth century, France, in the style of Louis XVI. Tapestry cartoons are the models used by weavers for producing their tapestry. These panels were made by commissioned painters to demonstrate the layout of the tapestry fabric to be made to cover a bench or settee. Aubusson tapestry is tapestry manufactured at Aubusson, in the upper valley of the Creuse in central France. 

A fabulous testament to artisan process, this would make a delightful addition to the walls of an artist's studio framed or unframed. Note the black trace marks are part of the creating process.