Tapestry: The Assumption of the Virgin (from the series, The Life of the Virgin)
about 1535
Object PlaceBrussels, Flanders
Medium/TechniqueTapestry weave (wool warp; wool, silk, silver, and gilt-silver wefts)
Dimensions314.96 x 209.55 cm (124 x 82 1/2 in.)
Credit LineCharles Potter Kling Fund
Accession number1975.810
On View
Not on viewClassificationsTextiles
Collections
NOTES:
[1] The original destination of the tapestry is not known, but it is likely that Evrard de la Marck commissioned it (along with another tapestry representing the Virgin at the Palm Tree) for a religious establishment in Liège. See Guy Delmarcel, "La Vie de la Vierge, deux nouvelles tapisseries du Cardinal Erard de la Marck," in Archivum Artis Lovaniense, ed. M. Snyders (Leuven, 1981), pp. 225-237.
[2] The tapestry is said to have been purchased by Castellani from a convent in Naples, possibly the church of the Annunziata (Basilica della Santissima Annunziata Maggiore). For many years it was believed that Cardinal Caraffa had given this tapestry to the church of the Annunziata, since his arms were -- erroneously -- identified on the tapestry itself. The arms have now been correctly identified as those of Evrard de la Marck and the provenance back to Caraffa can no longer be supported. It is possible, but remains unverified, that Castellani acquired this from a convent in Naples.
[3] This was among the works of art Castellani exhibited in Philadelphia in 1876.
Peter Paul Rubens
Probably third quarter of the 17th century, 1650–75
Jacob Jordaens
Probably third quarter of the 17th century
First quarter of the 16th century
1500–25
3rd-4th century AD
First quarter of the 16th century A.D. 1500–25
Francesco Albani
First half of the 18th century A.D. 1700–50
First quarter of the 16th century
Albrecht Dürer
First quarter of the 16th century
Second half of the 16th century