Tapestry: a woodland park with palace and pavilions
late 16th- early 17th century
Imported from Flanders,this tapestry and its smaller companion – which would have been placed between windows – belong to a set of five carrying the arms of the prominent Venetian family, the Contarini. Taking inspiration from idealized landscapes, hunting and villa scenes, they would have brought the vibrancy and colour of the countryside into these urban spaces. Highly expensive markers of status [], tapestries would have been hung only for special occasions, and were otherwise stored away to avoid fading.
Brussels
Wool and silk
Arms of the Contarini family of Venice in the top border. Cipher: J. V. H., lower right galloon, attributed to Joost van Herzeele or Jan van den Hecke. Brussels mark.
V&A: 129-1869
<b>NB: this label is incorrect: date should be 'before 1589'; statement expressed in last sentence is contentious, and the tapestry is not attributed to Jan van den Hecke.</b> [5 Oct 2006 - 7 Jan 2007]