A striking Flemish late 16th century historical tapestry possibly Oudenaarde 335cm x 312cm
£8,000 - £12,000
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Find your local specialistA striking Flemish late 16th century historical tapestry
woven in rich golden, blue and green threads, the central field possibly depicting the story of the head of Pompey being presented to Caesar, the figures dressed in typical Roman armour, Caesar seated beneath a canopy, his army visible in the middle distance and a verdant landscape visible in the far distance, the border filled with contemporary figures and lions mask head vases with abundant floral displays, all of which correspond to the opposite border,
335cm x 312cm
Footnotes
Tapestry weaving is thought to have started in Oudenaarde during the latter half of the 14th century. By the 15th century it became one of the most significant tapestry centres in Europe.
The oldest record of Oudenaarde tapestry weaving dates from 1368 but it took a while for the trade of such fine pieces to truly take off. Tapestry production in Oudenaarde reached its highest level in the 16th century when work was made in large quantities and to a very high standard. On 16th May 1544, Oudenaarde declared the general ordinance of Charles V regarding tapestry weaving. From that point on it was compulsory to weave the trademark of the town and label of the specific weaver in the border of the tapestry.
