Brussels (Netherlands), c. 342 x 535 cm, about 1560; depiction of the Feast of Jupiter, tapestry from the famous Hardwick Hall (Derbyshire, England) tapestry series. The Hardwick series consists of four confirmed antique mythological hangings (Vulcan, Neptune, Mars and Venus, and possibly a fifth with Cybele as subject) as well as the present piece from Austrian private ownership. The latter tapestry depicts the Feast of Jupiter. This is also the only hanging from the aforementioned series to feature a different border. Depiction of a banquet in honour of Jupiter in a sumptuous interior. Jupiter is depicted from behind in a seated position, with his sacred animal, the eagle, next to Juno, under a canopy. The supreme deity of Roman mythology is surrounded by mythological symbolic figures and a young servant; another male figure brings food on a tray, whilst from the opening with a view of the landscape simply dressed persons and a small faun enter the room to pay their tribute (hence the iris depicted in the border, a symbol of submission and loyalty). A forced perspective with a view of a colonnade depicts other participants at the banquet. Also remarkable are the musicians and their numerous instruments depicted near a balustrade at top, as well as the music-making mythical creatures above Jupiter. The carpet is in good colour condition, considering its age, with original putti and fruit shrub border, and is still preserved in its entirety. A few repairs due to age, both short sides are lined with a delicate blue linen band, mounted entirely on supporting linen.

Provenance:
Austrian private ownership

Further reading:
W. G. Thomson, The History of Tapestry from the earliest times to present day; Lindsay Boynton, The Hardwick Hall Inventories of 1601.