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Tapestry: Nymphs Disarming Cupids (from the series THE LOVES OF VENUS AND ADONIS)
Based on: Francesco Albani (Italian (Bolognese), 1578–1660)
Flemish or English
First half of the 18th century A.D. 1700–50
Object Place: Brussels or London, Flanders or England
Medium/Technique
Tapestry weave (wool warp; wool and silk wefts)
Dimensions
248 x 271 cm (97 5/8 x 106 11/16 in.)
Credit Line
Bequest of Mrs. Martin Brimmer
Accession Number06.2435
NOT ON VIEW
CollectionsEurope, Fashion and Textiles
ClassificationsTextiles
DescriptionThe scene is laid in a clearing. The vista opens at the back into a deep landscape punctuated by a river and some buildings. In the foreground, right of center, a nymph kneels behind two sleeping cupids and gently lifts the bow from the one lying at the left. To the right of this group, near the right edge of the field, another nymph breaks the other cupid's bow across her knee. The left foreground shows a small pond in which two ducks are swimming. Beyond the pond two more nymphs enter the scene from the left. One of them points toward the pair of spaniels accompanying them, while the other women gestures for silence.
Provenance1893, probably Clara Robison (Mrs. Frank Gair) Macomber (b. 1858 - d. 1932), Boston [see note 1]. Mary Ann Timmins (Mrs. Martin) Brimmer (b. 1827 - d. 1906), Boston; 1906, bequest of Mrs. Martin Brimmer to the MFA. (Accession Date: November 8, 1906)
NOTES:
[1] Probably the tapestry after Albani titled "Amorini Disarmed" lent by Mrs. Macomber to the Exhibition of Tapestries (MFA, Boston, January 26 - February 28, 1893), cat. no. 49.
NOTES:
[1] Probably the tapestry after Albani titled "Amorini Disarmed" lent by Mrs. Macomber to the Exhibition of Tapestries (MFA, Boston, January 26 - February 28, 1893), cat. no. 49.