This tapestry is to be looked at with Goletta and the Cape of Carthage in front, Tunis on the left hand, the sea and the north to the right.
Group 12. The Last Supper (1 Tapestry)
Woven from a design almost certainly of Bernard van Orley, the pupil of Raphael, by Pierre Pannemaker at Brussels, in wool, silk, gold, and silver. Purchased by Charles V at 38 florins—a higher price than that generally paid for the same class of work. The tapestry was given by the Emperor to his wife, and is considered one of the finest religious pieces in the royal collection. It is used on Holy Thursdays to decorate the famous Hall of Columns in the Palace, when the ceremony of the Washing of Feet and the dinner to the poor take place.
Group 13. The Descent of the Holy Ghost (1 Tapestry)
This tapestry is woven in silk and wool enriched with gold and silver threads. Neither the designer nor the tapissier are known, but from the type of features represented, Count Valencia de Don Juan conjectures that the artist was of Flemish blood. It is first mentioned in the inventory made on the death of Charles II. The subject of the piece is taken from Acts ii. 1-4
Group 14. The Adoration of the Kings (1 Tapestry)
This is one of the finest of the religious tapestries in the collection and was a particular favourite of the Emperor Charles V, who took it with him on his retirement to Yuste. Both the design and workmanship are Flemish, but the influence of the Italian school is perceptible. The usual materials are employed—silk, wool, gold, and silver threads.
The border is particularly fine with its wealth of flowers, birds, and fruits. At each corner is shown a medallion representing a scene from the life of Christ.
Group 15. The Story of Abraham (7 Tapestries)
These tapestries are attributed by Wauters to Wilhelm Pannemaker. Though modified by Italian ideas the design is in the Flemish style. Woven in silk and wool they were the property of the Princess Juana, the daughter of Charles V. They show the characteristic determination of Gothic tapissiers to “tell the story” from beginning to end, from the time that Abraham first leaves his country to journey into the land of Canaan, to his death.