About this artwork
This tapestry is from a late-17th-century series derived from the earlier compositions of the Renaissance painter and designer Michiel Coxie. The Latin inscription in a cartouche in the upper border identified the subject as Cyrus the Great defeating the Scythians. This refers to an episode toward the end of Cyrus’s extraordinary career when he attacked the land ruled by Queen Tomyris near the Caspian Sea. As recounted by Greek historians such as Herodotus, the Persian ruler lured the queen’s son Spargapises into a trap, defeating him and taking him captive. However, Tomyris was so angered by her son’s humiliation and subsequent suicide that she defeated Cyrus in battle and killed him.
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Status
- Currently Off View
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Department
- Textiles
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Artists
- Workshop of Albert Auwercx (Manufacturer) , Michiel Coxcie, I
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Title
- Cyrus Defeats Spargapises from The Story of Cyrus, Cyrus Defeats Spargapises
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Places
- Flanders (Object made in:), Brussels (Object made in:)
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Date
- Made 1660-1680
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Medium
- Wool and silk, slit and double interlocking tapestry weave Warp: Count: 7 warps per cm; wool: S-ply of two Z-spun elements; diameters: 0.7–0.8 mm Weft: Count: varies from 18 to 30 wefts per cm; wool: S-ply of two Z-spun elements; diameters: 0.45–1.0 mm; silk: pairs of S-ply of two Z-twisted elements; diameters: 0.4–0.55 mm
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Inscriptions
- Marked and signed: Brussels city mark; traces of the signature of Albert Auwercx Inscribed: CYRVS / INCAVTOS SCYTAS / OBRVIT (Cyrus defeats the incautious Scythians)
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Dimensions
- 384.8 × 412.1 cm (151 1/2 × 162 1/4 in.)
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Credit Line
- Gift of Honoré Palmer
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Reference Number
- 1938.1312
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IIIF Manifest
- https://api.artic.edu/api/v1/artworks/151988/manifest.json
Extended information about this artwork
Object information is a work in progress and may be updated as new research findings emerge. To help improve this record, please email . Information about image downloads and licensing is available here.
