Charles Louvois
Why did Colbert finally decide to start the weaving of the History of Moses tapestry in 1680?
There seem to be three reasons for the minister’s change of mind:
- At a time of controversy between the "Rubenistes" and the "Poussinistes", as an ardent champion of Poussin, he finally chose to favour the latter.
- Moreover, as the Gobelins tapestry works had essentially woven the compositions of Charles Le Brun since its establishment in 1662, Colbert wished for a change of tack.
- Finally, Le Brun decided to add two of his own creations, The Burning Bush and The Brazen Serpent, to the eight paintings by Poussin. This choice did not come about by chance! These two works had originally been painted for Colbert’s château at Sceaux and the presence of serpents reflected the minister’s coat of arms.

In this creative project, each party had its own interests...