17th Century Adonis Trapestry, England

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A remarkable 17th century tapestry of exceptional scale, this piece stands as a rare survivor of great weaving traditions. Established … Read more A remarkable 17th century tapestry of exceptional scale, this piece stands as a rare survivor of great weaving traditions. Established in 1619 under royal patronage, this tapestry hails from Mortlake (England), one of the world’s most renowned weaving workshops. Charles I was deeply invested in the project, both financially and personally, and sets of Mortlake tapestries became prized gifts. Owning one was a statement of proximity to the Crown. The Civil War effectively destroyed the factory and Charles I's execution removed its chief patron so, it never fully recovered. This relatively short window of production makes surviving pieces genuinely rare. The V&A has 21 works related to the Mortlake Tapestry Factory.This piece, ‘Les Amours de Venus et Adonis', first designed by Francis Cleyn, depicting a classical, mythological scene tells the story of Venus, the goddess of love’s intense, tragic passion for a beautiful man, Adonis, who prefers hunting to romance. Venus warns Adonis against hunting but, he ignores her, resulting in his death by a wild boar. Venus is pictured mourning Adonis who is lying against her, in a clearing, near a ruin with a winged Cupid and two seated dogs looking on. Cupid represents love and dogs are a symbol of loyalty. The tapestry is finished with an ornate, wide-framed, swagged, botanical border. Myth, love, loss and beauty captured in extraordinary detail.Handwoven in rich wool and silk over months, often years, tapestries of this calibre were not simply decorative objects, but symbols of wealth, power, and cultural refinement. Historically commissioned by aristocracy and royal courts, they were frequently presented as diplomatic gifts or markers of status, adorning the walls of grand estates and castles.We picture this in a home with expansive walls & soaring ceilings. As the backdrop to a master bed, in a grand drawing room, or anchoring a formal dining room.Unlike contemporary or machine made pieces, which aim to imitate, this tapestry embodies authenticity. Its scale alone creates a commanding presence transforming a room not just visually, but atmospherically. It absorbs sound, softens light, and introduces a sense of permanence and gravitas. Subtle irregularities in form, weave, and composition speak to the hand of the maker, offering a level of artistry entirely absent from modern reproductions.This piece is for the romantics, the storytellers and the old souls. Pieces of this size and provenance are increasingly scarce. As both a work of art and a historical artefact, this tapestry offers not only aesthetic impact, but enduring value. An heirloom to be lived with, and passed down.Height 267 cm (105.1 inches)Width 397 cm (156.3 inches) Original antique condition. Some alterations and imperfections. Patches have been sewn in delicately but have created colour variations. See less