This tapestry is woven with the arms of the Contarini, one of the most distinguished ruling families in Venice for several hundred years. It exemplifies the taste of Venetians for surrounding themselves in their city homes with garden and pastoral scenes. The museum has five tapestries in the set. This one shows a canal or lake with gardens, arcades, covered walks and pavillions beside a palace, all viewed from a woodland park, with hills in the distance. Tapestry with Contarini Arms, Brussels, 1580s Tapestry: a woodland park with palace and pavilions late 16th- early 17th century Imported from Flanders,this tapestry and its smaller companion – which would have been placed between windows – belong to a set of five carrying the arms of the prominent Venetian family, the Contarini. Taking inspiration from idealized landscapes, hunting and villa scenes, they would have brought the vibrancy and colour of the countryside into these urban spaces. Highly expensive markers of status [], tapestries would have been hung only for special occasions, and were otherwise stored away to avoid fading. Brussels Wool and silk Arms of the Contarini family of Venice in the top border. Cipher: J. V. H., lower right galloon, attributed to Joost van Herzeele or Jan van den Hecke. Brussels mark. V&A: 129-1869 NB: this label is incorrect: date should be 'before 1589'; statement expressed in last sentence is contentious, and the tapestry is not attributed to Jan van den Hecke. [5 Oct 2006 - 7 Jan 2007] 14 warp threads to inch. J.V.H. cipher, lower right galloon.