Tapestry with a scene of Hercules Shouldering the Heavens for the Giant Atlas

Gallery 350, European Art 1500-1850, third floor

Main Building

Tapestry with a scene of Hercules Shouldering the Heavens for the Giant Atlas

c. 1540-1550

Artist/maker unknown, Flemish

The design on this tapestry--consisting of a central event surrounded by elaborate, but thematically unrelated, decoration-demonstrates the grotesque style. Inspired by ancient Roman painted murals, such compositions became internationally popular during the course of the sixteenth century. A complete series of these tapestries would have constituted a portable room decoration suitable for a princely patron, comparable to permanent painted frescoes found in Italy.

Gallery 350, European Art 1500-1850, third floor

Object Details

Title:

Tapestry with a scene of Hercules Shouldering the Heavens for the Giant Atlas
Grotesques with the Deeds of Hercules

Date:

c. 1540-1550

Artist:

Artist/maker unknown, Flemish

Medium:

Wool and silk

Dimensions:

Width (At base): 16 feet 6 inches (502.9 cm)

Classification:

Textiles

Credit Line:

Purchased with Museum funds from the Edmond Foulc Collection, 1930

Accession Number:

1930-1-206

Geography:

Made in Southern Netherlands (modern Belgium), Europe Probably made in Oudenaarde, Europe

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Gallery 350, European Art 1500-1850, third floor

Main Building

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