About this artwork
The Latin inscriptions in the center of the upper border of this and the neighboring tapestry make clear that they illustrate the story of Cyrus the Great, ruler of the Medes and the Persians. Here he oversees the laborious work of diverting the Euphrates River, a tactic that would permit his troops to approach the city of Babylon and conquer it. These tapestries were woven from cartoons that adapted designs by the 16th-century court artist Michiel Coxie. Their rich borders, filled with garlands and putti as well as military trophies, are in a later Baroque style, while the poses of the ruler and his advisors take on a somewhat stereotypical aspect.
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Status
- Currently Off View
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Department
- Textiles
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Artist
- Michiel Coxcie, I
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Title
- The Diversion of the Euphrates, from The Story of Cyrus
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Place
- Flanders (Object made in)
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Date
- Made 1660–1680
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Medium
- Wool and silk, slit and single interlocking tapestry weave
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Dimensions
- 325.4 × 404.8 cm (128 1/8 × 159 3/8 in.)
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Credit Line
- Gift of Honoré Palmer
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Reference Number
- 1938.1311
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IIIF Manifest
- https://api.artic.edu/api/v1/artworks/27849/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.
