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The Falconer is on exhibit in the Cluny Museum in Paris, is all that remains of a much larger 15th Century original that was part of a series of tapestries known as "Scenes of Seignioral (lordy) Life." Its realistically drawn figures have been lifted out of context and silhouetted against a mille fleurs background. -
This tapestry represents the victory of King Louis XIV over the Spanish army in Flanders (now Belgium)in 1667. It was designed by the Flemish painter Frans Van der Meulen (1632-1690). The French army is crossing the canal of Bruges, followed by Louis XIV, the Prince de Cande and the Marquis de Crequy. The original tapestry.is in the Palace at Versailles, outside Paris. -
A finely woven tapestry From Belgium depicting a market scene set in the medieval town of Ghent, a tapestry weaving center. We can see many details of 13th century life- a party of rich citizens bargain with a Levantine silk merchant. At the right, a town crier on horseback is escorted by his standard bearer and town trumpeter. To the left (out of view, shown in full scene) are Oriental merchants displaying their wares, The historic St. James Church in the background is still there today. -
A finely woven tapestry From Belgium depicting a market scene set in the medieval town of Ghent, a tapestry weaving center. We can see many details of 13th century life- a party of rich citizens bargain with a Levantine silk merchant. At the right, a town crier on horseback is escorted by his standard bearer and town trumpeter. To the left (out of view, shown in full scene) are Oriental merchants displaying their wares, The historic St. James Church in the background is still there today. -
A finely woven tapestry from Belgium depicting a market scene set medieval town of Ghent, a tapestry weaving center. We can see many details of 13th century life - a party of rich citizens bargain with a Levantine silk merchant. Oriental merchants displaying their wares. The historic St.James Church in the background is still there today. -
The second tapestry of the set of "Maximilian's Hunting Parties." This action takes place in a lush green forest where subject was of great decorative value in the 16th and 17th centuries. The rider on the left holds a falcon while a kettleman holds the leashes of three dogs. At right, the hunters prepare to begin the chase. -
A young noble woman, riding side-saddle, is escorted by a young lord through a flower-filled field, which gives a rustic character to the whole scene. They are surrounded by ladies-in-waiting, a woodcutter and a monkey dressed as a peasant. The Noblewoman tapestries are woven in an extremely fine weave, giving the characters extraordinary detail. -
The month of May, traditionally a month of love and romance is illustrated here as Prince Jean de France, Duke of Berry, enjoys a relaxed Spring ride in the company of a sweet lady. The soft pastel colors of this tapestry stand in contrast to the traditional dark background found in most tapestries of the period. -
To My Only Desire presents a richly clad lady standing in front of a tent crowned by a banner on which is inscribed "a mon seul desir" (to my only desire). In Lady with the Organ, the organ and its music represent the sense of "hearing". The lion and the unicorn, emblems of strength and purity are both raising banners to represent their unity. Both tapestries here are superb adaptations from the originals now in the Cluny Museum in Paris. The original series of six tapestries were presented to Claude de Viste by Jean de Chabanne as an engagement present in 1512. the first five tapestries are devoted to the senses, while the sixth, "To My Only Desire" probably represents love.
