These tapestries of silk, gold, and wool were made by command of the Regent Margaret of Austria, at Brussels, under the direction of Pierre Pannemaker, the most famous tapissier of the time. The cartoons were probably by the aged painter Quintin Metoys. The tapestries were begun in 1523, and passed to the Emperor on the death of Margaret.
Tapestry No. 1. The bed canopy represents the Eternal Father and the Holy Ghost surrounded by Seraphim.
Tapestry No. 2. The Redemption of mankind from the taint of original sin.
Tapestry No. 3. Formed the lower part of the dais, and depicts St. Luke xxiv. 50, 51.
Group 8. The Passion of Our Lord (4 Tapestries)
These four tapestries were woven by Pierre Pannemaker from the designs of Quintin Metoys at the command of Margaret of Austria. They are good examples of the transition style, and some fine effects of tinting have been obtained by means of hatching (i.e. the use of vertical lines to give thickness to the figures). The influence of Roger Van der Weyden is plain.
These tapestries were inherited by Charles V from Margaret of Austria, and have been much used for State functions.
Tapestry No. 1. Represents the prayer on the Mount of Olives.
Tapestry No. 2. Meeting between Our Lord and the Virgin on the road to Calvary.
Tapestry No. 3. The Crucifixion.