Tapestry No. 4. The Descent from the Cross.
Group 9. Vices and Virtues (9 Tapestries)
These tapestries were probably executed at Brussels in the first half of the sixteenth century. They are woven in silk, gold thread, and wool, cover a surface of 400 square metres, and include a thousand figures.
Though much in the style of Bernard van Orley, the absence of the rich Renaissance architecture in which that painter delighted suggests that either Jean Gossaert or Quintin Metoys was more likely the designer. There is no weaver’s mark on the tapestry. A reproduction must have been made in wool and silk, as one piece representing the Punishment of Vice was exhibited in Bruges by the Prince of Aremberg. The series is mentioned in the inventory of Charles V, dated Brussels, 1544, and was alleged to have been purchased in Seville.
The excellence of the tapestries is mostly due to the tapissiers. The overcrowded canvases, the painfully didactic and tortuous morals, do not rank the designs very high. That labelled “Infamy” gives a key to the complicated moral problem. The beholder is urged in a pompous and wordy harangue to follow reason and the philosophers, so shall no evil befall him. The different pieces represent respectively, Faith, Honour, Renown, Nobility, Fortune, Infancy, Prudence, Vice, and Justice.
Group 10. The Foundation of Rome (6 Tapestries)
A fine example of Flemish tapestry probably executed from cartoons by Bernard van Orley, the pupil of Raphael. The Italian influence is strong, yet the tapestry is hardly pure Renaissance. There is no weaver’s mark, so the series must date prior to 1528. The tapestries are remarkable for their fine landscapes, the magnificence of the buildings, and the elegance of the costumes. The borders are of beautiful design and workmanship.
Tapestry No. 1. Shows Romulus and Remus thrown into the Tiber. They are suckled by a she-wolf and grow up to be clever hunters and cunning thieves.
Tapestry No. 2. Remus, taken captive, is presented to Amielius, who is killed by the brothers. Numitor is placed on the throne.
Tapestry No. 3. The brothers trace out the foundations of Rome with a plough. Romulus becomes king, gives his name to the city, and kills his brother.