Brussels (Netherlands), c. 364 x 443 cm,
first third of the 17th century.
The tapestry is fully preserved and displays good colours, some exposed warp threads and several repairs due to age, a reworked weaver's mark to the outer galloon lower left, the surrounding blue weaving edge damaged, but still complete and original, mounted on old fabric on the back.

Heraldic tapestry with oracle scene. The importance of oracles for political and military decisions goes back to the pre-Christian era. The best-known is probably the Oracle of Delphi. Although the present piece does not allow us to put forward a comprehensive hypothesis with regard to the identity of the figures depicted, it none the less presents an undoubtedly dramatic scene: a human sacrifice is offered on an altar, whilst from its smoke three Olympian gods (Apollo, Hera and Athena) with their attributes emerge. On the left side are two female figures, on the right a group of men following the words of the oracle with trepidation. The figures appear very realistic and seem to suggest that the tapestry may originate from a well-known master workshop. Especially imposing is the large border frame with figures and oval “peepholes”.

Literature:
Guy Delmarcel, Flemish Tapestry, p. 114;
Heinrich Göbel, Wandteppiche, Die Niederlande, vol. 1 and 2;
Hermann Schmitz, Bildteppiche, Geschichte der Gobelinwirkerei;
Dora Heinz, Europäische Tapisseriekunst des 17. und 18. Jahrhunderts.