Tapestry Border, Oudenaarde, Mid-16th Century

- Tapestry border woven around the middle of the 16th century in a Flemish workshop in Oudenaarde.

- This partial border (lower part missing) offers abundant symmetrical decoration; among flower vases and garlands appear several fantastic characters and animals. In the center of the upper border sits a richly dressed crowned character sitting under a canopy of green fabric and holding a scepter in his right hand. His presence is announced by winged centaurs, arranged on either side, their arms pointing towards him. This group is framed by satyrs blowing a call horn. A little further on, the corners are inhabited by an elegantly dressed female character, her arms raised to support the uprights of the canopy under which she is located. This character initiates the side borders in which we find festoons of laureate tori and flower vases.

- The ornaments of this border and the reduced colour palette with dominant yellow and green tones confirm the Flemish provenance of Oudenaarde.

- Old restorations and wear should be noted (see photos)

- Dimensions: Length: 304.5 cm, Height left side: 144 cm, Height right side: 148.5 cm