<b>Object Type</b><br>Making up large decorative hangings from a number of smaller panels which were then applied to a sympathetic background material, was a popular pastime of well to do ladies in the 16th century. This allowed for a group of women to work on individual panels at the same time. If required, the hanging could be dismantled at a later stage and the panels re-used. In the case of this hanging it seems likely that the panels were left unused until the 17th century.<br><br><b>People</b><br>It is very rare to be able to identify surviving embroideries as having been owned or worked by royalty. Unfortunately for the doomed Mary, Queen of Scots, she had plenty of time while imprisoned to work on numerous embroideries, some of which have her initials or cipher. This activity must have both filled her time and occupied her mind as many of the emblems or mottoes used have more significance than is immediately apparent.<br><br>A signed monogram with the initials ES indicates that this piece was made by Elisabeth, Countess of Shrewsburv.<br><br><b>Subjects Depicted</b><br>From C. Gesner, <i>Icones Avium Omnium</i>.