About this artwork
This scene, the center section of a larger tapestry, depicts the dramatic pursuit of a bear, with falconers conducting a much tamer hunt in the background. Enthusiasm for hunting was widespread among the European aristocracy, and this popular pastime was a common subject for late medieval tapestries. Hunting was not simply a diversion for the privileged, but was also fundamental to the education of a nobleman, testing his intellectual and physical prowess. Hunts, which often took place over several days, were social occasion for both men and women. The women were often spectators, as this tapestry shows.
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Status
- Currently Off View
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Department
- Textiles
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Title
- Tapestry (Bear Hunt and Falconry from a Hunts Series)
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Place
- Belgium (Object made in)
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Date
- Made 1515–1535
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Medium
- Wool and silk; slit and single and double dovetailed tapestry weave. Warp: Count: 5–6 warps per cm; wool: S-ply of two Z-spun elements; diameter: 1.0 mm Weft: Count: varies from 16 to 24 wefts per cm; wool: S-ply of- two Z-spun elements; pairs of S-ply of two Z-spun elements; diameters: 0.3–1.5 mm; silk: three yarns of S-ply of two Z-twisted elements; diameters: 0.4–0.6 mm
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Dimensions
- 259.8 × 337.5 cm (102 5/16 × 132 7/8 in.)
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Credit Line
- Purchased with funds provided by Mrs. Charles H. Schweppe through the Needlework and Textile Guild
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Reference Number
- 1928.191
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IIIF Manifest
- https://api.artic.edu/api/v1/artworks/88699/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.
