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Tapestry: The Defeat of Astyages (from the series, The Life of Cyrus)
Belgian
about 1771–75
Object Place: Brussels, Flanders
Medium/Technique
Tapestry weave (wool warp; wool and silk wefts)
Dimensions
408 x 607 cm (160 5/8 x 239 in.)
Credit Line
Charles Potter Kling Fund
Accession Number1976.603
NOT ON VIEW
CollectionsFashion and Textiles
ClassificationsTextiles
DescriptionThe weaving depicts the third in series of five tapestries illustrating the story of Cyrus, founder of the Persian empire, when he defeated Astyages, King of the Median empire. The victorious young Cyrus stands in the center of the tapestry, pointing with his left hand to a group of lamenting women beneath a fringed canopy. Harpagus stands behind him and they both look at Astyages, who stands on the left, defeated and in chains. Top center has arms of Maria Theresa, Archduchess of Austria and Queen of Hungary. No borders or guard bands.
InscriptionsThere are two marks, one of them is the Brussel's weavers mark , the other one is: IAC : VD: BORGHT
ProvenanceAbout 1771/1775, made for Maria-Theresa, Archduchess of Austria and Queen of Hungary; passed by descent within the royal family; 1914, sold by the Austrian royal family to G. H. L. Fitzwilliam. Until 1976, hung at Madingley Hall, near Cambridge, England. April 8, 1976, sale, Christie's, London, to Vigo-Sternberg Gallery for the MFA. (Accession Date: June 9, 1976)