Circa 1700 Silk Brussels Tapestry Fragment, the Divine Order of the Universe

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Originating in Brussels, Belgium, circa 1700, this silk and wool tapestry fragment depicts a visual meditation on the Divine Order … Read more Originating in Brussels, Belgium, circa 1700, this silk and wool tapestry fragment depicts a visual meditation on the Divine Order of the Universe, which is a theological notion that God purposely created life out of chaos. At the time of weaving, Brussels, controlled by Spanish rule, was a focal point of religion in the Habsburg Netherlands (not to be confused with the present-day country, The Netherlands).

The tapestry consists of an elaborate grotesque of gold, green, cream, and brown, in the form of flowering vines, cherubs, birds, and mascarons, that is dotted with several cartouches symbolizing the spiritual concept. Near the top of the tapestry is a bird with fire in its talons, representing the Phoenix in flames, indicative of resurrection and the eternal soul. Near the middle is the virtuous lamb, denoting purity, sacrifice, and adhering to the gentle path. At the bottom is a flowering vase, which symbolizes the worldly roots from which the spirit rises, manifesting in the physical world as the rich and beautiful flowering vines that connect all of the cartouches. The imagery is surrounded by a border of green ground, surmounted by flowers and leaves that are interrupted every foot by a square with a lion’s face. At the bottom is a series of green wool fringe, while the right side has an additional border of blue and beige hues, indicating that the amazing textile was once part of a larger weaving. In today’s home, the tapestry fragment can be hung as an accent for a tall and narrow wall or used as a table runner. See less