They are strong and fresh examples of the early work of the Gobelins weavers, and typical of the classicism of the late Renaissance in France. The requirements of mural decoration are met by the monumental character and sculptural poise of the figures, but at the same time the design is adapted to a decorative textile through the perfection of the detail and the richness of the colors.
41 FLANDERS, BEGINNING OF XVII CENTURY
Wool and Silk.
H. 7 ft. 10 in.
W. 13 ft. 4 in.
Lent by Mrs. C. Templeton Crocker.
VERDURE: A formal garden with fountains and a château in the distance and various birds in the foreground.
Such landscape tapestries were a characteristic late Renaissance interpretation of the verdure type, a transition between the Gothic millefleurs, that were really originally landscapes without perspective (cf. No. 11), and the XVIIth-century verdures (cf. No. 43). It is a very successful form of verdure, for they are broadly effective from a distance and yet have a sufficient wealth of detail to yield interest on closer exploration. The birds in this piece are especially carefully observed and well drawn, and the purity and vivacity of the color is exceptional for this type.
42 BRUSSELS, LATE XVII CENTURY
Wool and Silk.
H. 13 ft.
W. 12 ft.
AMERICA: In a tropical landscape an Indian with bow and arrows caressing a crocodile. Two children beside him smoking pipes. In the background on a hill a mission; in the foreground a heap of fruits and flowers and precious objects symbolic of the wealth of the New World. Border of fruits and flowers with corner medallions representing North, East, South, and West. On the lower selvage the Brussels city mark and the signature, I. V. D. BEURCHT.
Another example in Musée Impériale des Ecuries, Petrograd, No. 117.
Lent by P. W. French & Company.
The piece is one of a set of four representing the four quarters of the globe. It was woven by Jean Van der Beurcht, one of the great weavers of Brussels, who is known to have been working there between 1690 and 1710. The Van der Beurcht family had for several generations been painters, Jean being the first to turn from that profession to tapestry weaving. He was followed by several other members of the family (cf. No. 56), all of whom did work of the highest quality.