The Triumph of Chastity over Love
Tapestry
circa 1520 (made)
circa 1520 (made)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place Of Origin |
This tapestry is from a series of six based on the poem I Trionfi (The Triumphs), written by the Italian poet Petrach between 1352 and 1374. The poem described a series of allegorical visions, and this scene represents the Triumph of Chastity over Love. On the left, Chastity, riding a unicorn, topples Love (Cupid) from his chariot. In the centre, Cupid, now bound, sits at the feet of Chastity in her triumphal car.
The Humanist theme, secular yet improving, was popular in King Henry VIII's court, and used as the subject for many types of decorative art as well as tapestries. This tapestry may have belonged to the King, or to Cardinal Wolsey.
The Humanist theme, secular yet improving, was popular in King Henry VIII's court, and used as the subject for many types of decorative art as well as tapestries. This tapestry may have belonged to the King, or to Cardinal Wolsey.
object details
| Categories | |
| Object Type | |
| Materials and Techniques | Tapestry with wool warp and weft and a few silk wefts |
| Brief Description | Tapestry, The triumph of chastity over love, about 1520, Brussels |
| Physical Description | Tapestry woven with approx 6-7 warps per cm. |
| Dimensions |
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| Gallery Label | The Triumph of Chastity over Love
Dated 1507 and 1510
This comes from a set of six tapestries showing the Triumph of Petrarch. On the left, Chastity, riding a unicorn, topples Love (Cupid) from his chariot. In the centre, Cupid, now bound sits at the feet of Chastity in her triumphal car. This Humanist theme, secular yet improving, was popular in Henry VIII's court.
Tapestry, with wool warp and weft, and a few silk wefts
Made in Brussels
Probably owned by Cardinal Wolsey or Henry VIII
V&A: 440-1883
Cat. 6(2003) |
| Object history | Probably made for and owned by Cardinal Wolsey or Henry VIII. Bought from E Lowengard, Paris. At the time it entered the Museum, it was thought to date to 1507-1510, but in 2007 Thomas Campbell suggested about 1520. See Object production note. |
| Subjects depicted | |
| Summary | This tapestry is from a series of six based on the poem I Trionfi (The Triumphs), written by the Italian poet Petrach between 1352 and 1374. The poem described a series of allegorical visions, and this scene represents the Triumph of Chastity over Love. On the left, Chastity, riding a unicorn, topples Love (Cupid) from his chariot. In the centre, Cupid, now bound, sits at the feet of Chastity in her triumphal car. The Humanist theme, secular yet improving, was popular in King Henry VIII's court, and used as the subject for many types of decorative art as well as tapestries. This tapestry may have belonged to the King, or to Cardinal Wolsey. |
| Associated Objects | |
| Bibliographic References |
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| Collection | |
| Accession Number | 440-1883 |
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| record created | October 6, 2003 |
| Record URL |