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Caesar Embarks by Boat to Join His Army from The Story of Caesar and Cleopatra

A work made of wool and silk, slit and double interlocking tapestry weave warp: count: 10 warps per cm; wool: s-ply of three z-spun elements; diameters: 0.5–0.7 mm weft: count: varies from 20 to 48 wefts per cm: wool: s-ply of two z-spun elements; diameters: 0.3–0.8 mm; silk: pairs and three yarns of s-ply of two z-twisted elements; paired yarns of s-ply of two z-twisted elements and single z-twisted element; diameters: 0.4–0.85 mm.
CC0 Public Domain Designation

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  • A work made of wool and silk, slit and double interlocking tapestry weave warp: count: 10 warps per cm; wool: s-ply of three z-spun elements; diameters: 0.5–0.7 mm weft: count: varies from 20 to 48 wefts per cm: wool: s-ply of two z-spun elements; diameters: 0.3–0.8 mm; silk: pairs and three yarns of s-ply of two z-twisted elements; paired yarns of s-ply of two z-twisted elements and single z-twisted element; diameters: 0.4–0.85 mm.

Date:

c. 1680

Artist:

After a design by Justus van Egmont (1601–1674)
Woven at the workshop of Gerard Peemans (1637/39–1725)
Brussels

About this artwork

These hangings display all the characteristics of the Flemish High Baroque: monumental figures, dramatic gestures, expressive faces, and minimal backgrounds. The story of Cleopatra and Julius Caesar was a popular subject for tapestry by the time these works were woven in the 17th century. This hanging shows a moment during the Egyptian Civil war. Following a failed attempt upon their l ives, Caeser and Cleopatra find themselves besieged by opposing Egyptian armies. Here noatman strain to convey a laurel-crowned Caesar to join his army. The water birds in the sky and the reeds at right convey the setting of the Nile.

Status

Currently Off View

Department

Textiles

Artists

Workshop of Gerard Peemans (Manufacturer) , Justus van Egmont

Title

Caesar Embarks by Boat to Join His Army from The Story of Caesar and Cleopatra, Caesar Embarks by Boat to Join His Army

Places

Flanders (Object made in:), Brussels (Object made in:)

Date

Made 1675-1685

Medium

Wool and silk, slit and double interlocking tapestry weave Warp: Count: 10 warps per cm; wool: S-ply of three Z-spun elements; diameters: 0.5–0.7 mm Weft: Count: varies from 20 to 48 wefts per cm: wool: S-ply of two Z-spun elements; diameters: 0.3–0.8 mm; silk: pairs and three yarns of S-ply of two Z-twisted elements; paired yarns of S-ply of two Z-twisted elements and single Z-twisted element; diameters: 0.4–0.85 mm

Inscriptions

Marked and signed: Brussels city mark; GI·PEE Inscribed: CAESAR CYMBAM / CONSCENDIT· / EXERCITVI·SE· /IVNCTVRVS (Caesar embarks by boat to join his army)

Dimensions

381.7 × 366.3 cm (150 1/4 × 144 1/8 in.)

Credit Line

Gift of Mrs. Chauncey McCormick and Mrs. Richard Ely Danielson

Reference Number

1944.19

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https://api.artic.edu/api/v1/artworks/49670/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.

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