Early 18th Century Flemish Mythological Tapestry with Odysseus and Penelope

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A Flemish mythological tapestry from the late 17th or early 18th century, envisioning Odysseus and Penelope, in a scene from … Read more A Flemish mythological tapestry from the late 17th or early 18th century, envisioning Odysseus and Penelope, in a scene from the culmination of The Odyssey. Measures: 11’0” H x 10’0” W.

For twenty years, Odysseus, the king of Ithaca, is away from his kingdom and feared lost as he encounters the many journeys and oddities of his titular odyssey at sea. His faithful wife, Penelope, finds a way to hold out hope for him and fend off the many suitors who claim he is gone and want to take his place. Odysseus finally returns from his odyssey in disguise as a beggar, and after seeing that his wife has remained faithful all these years, he helps to dispatch with all the treacherous suitors and regain his throne and his family.

In this scene, Odysseus has eliminated the enemies and has revealed himself to Penelope, and they walk hand in hand, with the putti of love, Cupid walking before them, and with Penelope’s son from a previous relationship with the Greek deity Hermes, the demi-god Pan, watching intently from behind the trees in the left distance. Enclosed within a foliate border. Wool with silk inlay. Excellent condition.

Hanging: The tapestry comes ready for hanging, with linen backing and a strip of hook and loop tape at the top end, which can be connected to the opposite side of the supplied hook and loop tape, which could be tacked to your wall. For those who prefer the use of a tapestry rod, we can add the appropriate size loops to accommodate your needs. We now have a large selection of antique tapestry rods available as well, which we can provide detail upon request. See less