For sheer technical skill the rendition of this portrait is unsurpassable. The representation of textures is remarkable, quite on a par with the cleverest paintings of the period.
The Poisoning of a Spy No. 56
The Arms of France and Navarre No. 67
Illustrated: Hunter, Tapestries, pl. 229; also, Candee, Tapestry Book, opp. p. 133,—but wrongly attributed to the Gobelins.
Lent by P. W. French & Company.
It is, in truth, an absolutely perfect reproduction of a painting—a painting, moreover, that from the character of all the accessories is particularly difficult to render in wool; and while it is by no means the business of tapestry to imitate painting, it is nevertheless an interesting display of remarkable virtuosity. The personal power of the forceful old Empress is strongly presented. From every aspect this is one of the greatest portraits in a woven medium. In general color tone the piece has remained faithful to the character of tapestry, sustaining the rich quality that the solid texture demands. In spite, also, of the need for many delicately graded values to render the stuffs and the modeling, the weavers have kept the color in large enough masses to be broadly decorative.