Southern Netherlands, c. 321 x 179 cm, 15th/16th century, exquisite weave of wool and a high silk proportion. The carpet is trimmed all around and may have measured c. 20 sq m in its original size. The pink skin areas have for the most part faded and colour damage due to humidity is visible at the lower end. The narrow outer border has been replaced. Mounted on linen.

At the start of the sixteenth century, pattern designers increased the dramatic tension of a tapestry by positioning several scenes and events within one image. The individual sections were separated from each other by columns, or were individually combined with each other. Names were often written next to the figures depicted to aid in the identification of the protagonists. The present fragment depicts a bearded main figure atop a throne covered with damask. His crown, sceptre and richly embroidered clothing imply that he is probably a king. He is flanked on either side by people who listen, enraptured, positioned close behind each other so that only the faces of some of them are visible.

Lit.:
Anna Rapp Buri, Monica Stucky-Schürer, Burgundische Tapisserien; Adolfo Salvatore Cavallo, Medieval Tapestries in The Metropolitan Museum of Art; Guy Delmarcel, Flemish Tapestry.