Orpheus in the Wilderness tapestry

Orpheus in the Wilderness tapestry , 1600s

Where object was made: Brussels, Brabant (present-day Belgium)

Material/technique: wool; silk; weaving

Dimensions:
Object Height/Width (Height x Width): 287 x 287 cm
Object Height/Width (Height x Width): 113 0.992 x 113 0.992 in

Credit line: Gift in memory of Mrs. E. Shields by Richard T. Shields and Caroline Shields Walker

Accession number: 1958.0114

Not on display

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Exhibition Label: “Four Flemish Tapestries,” Dec-2009, Susan Earle
This tapestry exemplifies the Flemish weaving style for which the area known as Brabant was famous. The woven image portrays the Greek hero Orpheus playing his harp, Lyra, in the wilderness. In classical myths, descended into Hades to retrieve his love Eurydice. Here he is instead portrayed in the guise of Orpheus Charming the Animals. Visitors may find a print on this theme from the same period by Johann Wilhelm Bauer in the Spencer Museum’s Print Room.