1660 / 1699, Mortlake

1660 / 1699, Mortlake

Identifier
T.71-2002
Acquisition
Accepted by HM Government in lieu of Inheritance Tax and allocated to the Victoria and Albert Museum
Collection
Material
Technique
Depiction
Production time
Production place
Type of object

Description

The three tapestries depicting scenes from the story of Bacchus are the only examples known of this design, and have unusual borders, which seem to have been designed especially for the series. On loan to Houghton Hall. Tapestry with unknown subject from the Story of Bacchus set, 1660-99 Tapestry hanging in wool and silk. The tapestry is hung behind a large bed, and so only a small area can be seen at the left and right sides. [it has probably been hung in this location since the 18th century, so there is no record of the whole tapestry having been seen]. The left side appears to show the preparation for sacrifice of a bull and the right a cloaked figure, in a woodland scene. The border design has satyrs and medallion busts of Bacchus and Ariadne, among swags of fruit.