Tapestry
1500-1525 (made)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
Wall-hanging tapestry woven with coloured worsteds and silks upon string or flax warps, with an allegorical subject. In the centre Justice (Justicia) wearing a crown and holding a drawn sword, threatens to strike a young man (Homo) who starts back in fear. Behind him are four ladies, one with a stringed musical instrument, who appear to be his companions, and are as much startled as he is. Pity (Mia, for Misericordia), also wearing a crown, however, restrains Justice from her purpose. To the left sits the prophet Jeremiah (Jeremie) holding a label with the words 'Ascedit super'. The costumes of these figures are those of the period when the tapestry was designed.
In the immediate foreground are small flowering plants, and behind the figures are fruit trees and a stream. The background is composed of a line of trees and a hilly landscape, in which two castles are represented. Around the whole is a border of branches bearing flowers and fruit tied together by red ribbons.
In the immediate foreground are small flowering plants, and behind the figures are fruit trees and a stream. The background is composed of a line of trees and a hilly landscape, in which two castles are represented. Around the whole is a border of branches bearing flowers and fruit tied together by red ribbons.
Object details
| Categories | |
| Object type | |
| Materials and techniques | Wool and silk, woven over flax |
| Brief description | 1500-1525, Flemish; Brussels. Pity Restraining Justice |
| Physical description | Wall-hanging tapestry woven with coloured worsteds and silks upon string or flax warps, with an allegorical subject. In the centre Justice (Justicia) wearing a crown and holding a drawn sword, threatens to strike a young man (Homo) who starts back in fear. Behind him are four ladies, one with a stringed musical instrument, who appear to be his companions, and are as much startled as he is. Pity (Mia, for Misericordia), also wearing a crown, however, restrains Justice from her purpose. To the left sits the prophet Jeremiah (Jeremie) holding a label with the words 'Ascedit super'. The costumes of these figures are those of the period when the tapestry was designed. In the immediate foreground are small flowering plants, and behind the figures are fruit trees and a stream. The background is composed of a line of trees and a hilly landscape, in which two castles are represented. Around the whole is a border of branches bearing flowers and fruit tied together by red ribbons. |
| Dimensions |
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| Style | |
| Production type | Unique |
| Marks and inscriptions |
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| Object history | Purchased from George Donaldson, Esq., of 106 New Bond Street. The inscribed label held by Jeremiah appears to have been restored, as does much of the upper portion. This tapestry is part of a set representing 'The Story of the Seven Deadly Sins'. Three of the set are at Hampton Court Palace. |
| Subjects depicted | |
| Collection | |
| Accession number | 638-1890 |
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| Record created | June 24, 2009 |
| Record URL |
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