Antique Late 16th or Early 17th Century Musical Party Garden of Love Scene Vertical Flemish Tapestry
$12,800.00
| Stock number | 26130 |
| Size | 5 ft 9 in x 8 ft 5 in (1.75 m x 2.57 m) |
| Origin | Belgium |
| Age | Circa 1650 |
| Style | Textile Arts |
| Materials | Wool & Silk |
| Construction | Needlework / Textiles |
| Colors | Multicolor Jewel Tones |
| Pattern | Allover, Floral |
This tapestry is a classic Flemish "Musical Party" or Garden of Love scene, likely woven in Oudenarde or Brussels during the late 16th or early 17th century (circa 1580–1610). Subject and Iconography The scene depicts an aristocratic gathering in a formal garden, a theme highly popular among the European nobility of the Renaissance. The Musical Ensemble: The central focus is on harmony. You can see a variety of period-accurate instruments: a lute, a transverse flute, and a Gothic-style harp. In the 16th century, music in a garden setting was a common allegory for the "Harmony of Nature" and courtly courtship. The Refreshments: In the center foreground, there is a wine cooler (cistern) and a platter of fruit. These elements signify wealth, hospitality, and the "five senses"—specifically taste and hearing.