Early 18th Century Brussel Tapestry, Finely Woven, Red, Blue, Green, Silk & Wool

In the late 17th century, Brussels tapestry weavers achieved remarkable heights of artistry and technique, exemplified by a fine tapestry from circa 1680 that vividly depicts a dramatic battle scene. This masterpiece, crafted from a blend of silk and wool, showcases a rich array of colors—primarily blues, greens, and reds—that create a visually arresting narrative. The central motif of the tapestry is a dynamic and detailed battle scene, where the vibrant hues of blues, greens, and reds intertwine to convey the intensity and chaos of the conflict. The blues range from deep, somber tones that suggest a foreboding sky or tumultuous waters, to lighter, almost ethereal shades that might evoke a sense of movement or distance. Greens provide a lush, verdant backdrop, perhaps representing a forested terrain or rolling hills, and contrast strikingly with the reds that highlight the uniforms of the soldiers, the banners they bear, or the flashes of conflict. The tapestry’s execution in silk and wool adds a luxurious texture and depth to the image. The silk contributes a lustrous sheen to the colors, enhancing their vibrancy and making the reds particularly vivid. The wool, with its more subdued texture, provides a rich, tactile quality that adds to the overall grandeur of the piece. Framing this central battle tableau is an intricately detailed border that serves as both a decorative and narrative element. This border features a lively array of figures, fruits, and birds, rendered with the same meticulous attention to detail as the central scene. The figures, often depicted in an elegant and somewhat theatrical style, may include allegorical or mythological characters, adding layers of symbolism and context to the tapestry. The fruits, depicted in lush, vibrant colors, provide a contrast to the intensity of the battle, symbolizing abundance and prosperity. Birds, possibly rendered in mid-flight or perched gracefully, enhance the sense of movement and liveliness that permeates the artwork. The border’s detailed design serves to frame the central action, drawing the viewer's eye inward and providing a harmonious balance to the overall composition. It is not merely a decorative element but an integral part of the tapestry, enriching the narrative and adding to its visual complexity. In its entirety, this Brussels tapestry from the late 17th century stands as a testament to the skill and artistry of its creators. Its use of color, texture, and detailed border elements reflects the opulence and sophistication of the period, making it a significant example of the era's weaving artistry and a captivating portrayal of historical and artistic grandeur. The Battle of Cannae: Hannibal's Masterstroke The Battle of Cannae, fought in 216 BC during the Second Punic War, is one of the most celebrated and studied military engagements in history. The conflict took place between the forces of Carthage, led by the brilliant general Hannibal Barca, and the Roman...

Aubusson tapestry is tapestry manufactured at Aubusson, in the upper valley of the Creuse in central France. The term often covers the similar products made in the nearby town of Felletin, whose products are often treated as "Aubusson". The industry had probably developed since soon after 1300 in looms in family workshops, perhaps already run by the Flemings that are noted in documents from the 16th century. Aubusson tapestry of the 19th century managed to compete with the royal manufacture of Gobelins tapestry and the privileged position of Beauvais tapestry, although generally regarded as not their equal. As with Flemish and Parisian tapestries...

Mid 18th century european Tapestry Fragment. Measures: 1'9'' wide x 2'10'' long. Tapestries make integral part of the Flemish cultural heritage. Most of the tapestries have religious, mythological and historical subjects as well as hunting and harvest scenes. They are known for their high quality and extended use of colors. The oldest ones were made in the 13th century. The most important production centers were Doornik and Arras. These two centers got a lot of assignments of the Dukes of Burgundy. In the 14th century tapestries...

Ottoman Applique and Embroidered Textile with Blue and Red Tones, 18th Century This extraordinary felt applique represents a prayer niche and recalls poetic notions of paradise and ...