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16th Century Brussels Historical Tapestry, Depicting Julius Caesar on Horseback
About the Item
A rare antique 16th century Brussels historical tapestry, depicting Julius Caesar on horseback as he prepares to cross the Rubicon, signaling his intentions to return to Rome and instigate a civil war with the Roman Emperor, Pompey the Great. This fine handwoven tapestry is composed of wool and silk, and tells the infamous story or Julius Caesar's fateful decision to return to Rome and wrest the title of Emperor from Pompey the Great. A sea nymph rises from the waters of the Rubicon river and warns Caesar to think carefully before taking this incendiary step back into Rome after having marshaled his forces in anticipation of his revolt.
The tapestry is finely detailed, and is part of a lost series of Julius Caesar tapestries which may have once been among the most prized possessions of the royal court of King Henry VIII. Second only in importance to the series of biblical Abraham tapestries that still hang in all their splendor at Hampton Court, the Julius Caesar tapestry series has mostly been lost to time, with this tapestry possibly being one of only two or three from that series known to have survived in the four plus centuries since the time of King Henry's reign.
Many historical details about Henry VIII's vast collection of tapestries, the importance he placed on them as the ultimate status symbols and luxury items, and his focus on the Abraham and Julius Caesar series in particular can all be found in the book, "Henry VIII and the Art of Majesty" by the former head of the Metropolitan Museum and renowned tapestry scholar, Thomas Campbell.
This Julius Caesar tapestry is a masterpiece of weaving, design, color, and storytelling. Julius Caesar, the central figure of this individual tapestry and of the Caesar tapestry series as a whole, stands stridently at center atop his horse, with his military forces just behind him at left. The sea nymph emerges from the Rubicon at right, warning Caesar that the warlike aggression he is about to undertake will be both the beginning of his rise to Emperor, and also the beginning of his eventual downfall. The Latin text in the upper cartouche at center encapsulates the warning from the sea nymph, and informs the viewer of Caesar's current state in the saga of the tapestry series. The outer border overflows with fruiting and flowering elements, sashes and swags, putti, and other mythological figures.
In very good condition, given its age and provenance. Some wear, fading, losses, and restoration. handwoven by master weavers. Wool with silk highlights. Hanging hardware included.
This one of a kind tapestry is now being placed on sale to the public for the first time since the Revelation of its provenance as possibly being a lost treasure from the royal court of King Henry VIII. Bring a part of royal history home with this magnificent wall hanging!
- Dimensions:Height: 165 in (419.1 cm)Width: 180 in (457.2 cm)Depth: 0.1 in (2.54 mm)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:16th Century
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use. Minor losses. Minor structural damages. Minor fading. In very good condition, given its age and provenance. Some wear, fading, losses, and restoration. Hand-woven. Wool with silk highlights. Hanging hardware included.
- Seller Location:New York, NY
- Reference Number:Seller: 270651stDibs: LU1201220119432
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