The first foundation-charter of the corporation of tapestry-weavers of this town is dated the nth June, 1441; nevertheless M. Pinchard does not appear to have found traces of any names or documents before 1499.

We must believe that Audenarde especially distinguished itself in the manufacture of "verdures." It was for a work of this description that Philippe Van Home is mentioned in 1504, in M. Houdoy's book. It was doubtless, too, to execute "verdures" that Jaspart emigrated from Audenarde to Lille in 1634, as, in 1650, Jean Jans was called to the Gobelins.

What the Exhibition of Costume has shown us of the productions of this town can but justify its high repute; there were two pieces signed by T. Van der Goton, forming part of a series of the history of Eurydice; the borders, on a brown ground, presented a rich composition of flowers and ornaments, broken by stags' and dogs' heads of wonderful execution; in the first scene, in the midst of a verdant landscape, a group of nymphs appeared near a fountain, and on the right Eurydice stung on the heel by the serpent; in the second, a no less smiling landscape was nevertheless made to reveal the vestibule of the infernal regions; on the right, an immense palace preceded by fountains with jets d'eau, represented the not. very alarming entrance to the dark realms, and Orpheus carrying his lyre was seen presenting himself before Pluto and Proserpine seated under cool shades, to obtain permission to seek for Eurydice on the banks of the black Cocytus.

A great breadth of effect and skilfully managed colouring rendered these pictures in every way worthy of attention. The Comte de Brimont, to whom they belonged, had exhibited a third piece, not signed, but quite as remarkable; the border was a framework of gold with rich details; in the landscape, abounding in large trees of a bright green tint, were seen antique buildings of noble style; then in the foreground figures draped after the antique (what can be said of the anachronism?) were taking chocolate.