The Story of Bacchus thumbnail 1
The Story of Bacchus thumbnail 2
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On loan
  • On display at Houghton Hall, Norfolk

The Story of Bacchus

Tapestry
1660-1699 (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

The three tapestries depicting scenes from the story of Bacchus are the only examples known of this design, and have unusual borders, which seem to have been designed especially for the series.

On loan to Houghton Hall.

Object details

Categories
Object type
TitleThe Story of Bacchus (series title)
Materials and techniques
tapestry woven in wool and silk
Brief description
Tapestry with unknown subject from the Story of Bacchus set, 1660-99
Physical description
Tapestry hanging in wool and silk. The tapestry is hung behind a large bed, and so only a small area can be seen at the left and right sides. [it has probably been hung in this location since the 18th century, so there is no record of the whole tapestry having been seen]. The left side appears to show the preparation for sacrifice of a bull and the right a cloaked figure, in a woodland scene. The border design has satyrs and medallion busts of Bacchus and Ariadne, among swags of fruit.
Dimensions
  • Height: 334cm
  • Estimation width: 390cm
The other two tapestries in the room have parts turned under, so this piece may as well, out of sight behind the bed. Its actual measurements will be established when it is taken down for conservation. note by Frances Hartog in report 3 November 2014 : H 330 x W 394 (not possible to see if tuck has been taken but doubtful)
Credit line
Accepted by HM Government in lieu of Inheritance Tax and allocated to the Victoria and Albert Museum
Object history
It cannot at present be proved that this set of tapestries hung at Houghton Hall in the time of Sir Robert Walpole, but it is very likely. Walpole, in describing the Embroidered Bedchamber where the set now is, stated "the hangings are tapestry".
Summary
The three tapestries depicting scenes from the story of Bacchus are the only examples known of this design, and have unusual borders, which seem to have been designed especially for the series.

On loan to Houghton Hall.
Collection
Accession number
T.71-2002

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Record createdAugust 16, 2002
Record URL
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