In concomitance with the exhibition Deities, Monkeys and Signs of the Zodiac (Milan, 8-30 November 2007) showcasing an antique cycle of tapestries depicting the theme of the twelve months by les Gobelins, also known as Les Deuze Mois Grotesques or Mois Grotesques par bandes, a lecture series has been organized at the Moshe Tabibnia Gallery. Renowned scholars will recount the history of the Manufacture des Gobelins in the age of Louis XIV, the Roi Soleil, and shed light on the magnificence of the French court at the end of the 17th century and beginning of the 18th. Moreover, the projects undertaken by the newly reopened Galerie des Gobelins will be presented. Last but not least, the iconography and fortune of the cycle of tapestries depicting the theme of the twelve months by les Gobelins, will also  be discussed drawing particular attention on Moshe Tabibnia's early version on view at the Gallery.

Wednesday, 14 November 2007, at 05:30 p.m.:
"La Manufacture des Gobelins in the Age of the Roi Soleil" by Pascal-François Bertrand, Professor of History of Modern Art at the University of Montagne Bordeaux 3, Bordeaux, France.

Wednesday, 21 November 2007, at 05:30 p.m.:
"The woven calendar designed by Claude III Audran: the theme of the twelve months of the year from the Middle Ages to the Modern Age" by Nello Forti Grazzini, independent scholar and art historian, Milan, Italy.

Wednesday, 28 November 2007, at 05:30 p.m.:
"The Galerie des Gobelins between the present and the future: projects, acquisitions, conservation and restoration" by Arnauld Brejon de Lavergnée, Museum Director, Curator of the Collections of the Mobilier National et Manufactures des Gobelins de Beauvais e Savonnerie, Paris, France.