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Tapestry: The Coat of Arms of a Knight of St. James of Compostela (from a series of hangings showing the same subject)
Possibly woven by: Albert Auwercx (Flemish)
probably Flemish, Brussels
Last quarter of the 17th century or the first quarter of the 18th century A.D.
Object Place: Brussels, Flanders (probably)
Medium/Technique
Tapestry weave (wool warp; wool and silk wefts)
Dimensions
311 x 258 cm (122 7/16 x 101 9/16 in.)
Credit Line
Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Hewitt Morgan
Accession Number61.157
NOT ON VIEW
CollectionsEurope, Fashion and Textiles
ClassificationsTextiles
DescriptionA large shield of arms occupies the center, as if hanging freely against a flat background. The points of the cross of the order of St. James of Compostele project from behind the shield. A marquis' coronet surmounts the shield. A small oval cartouche bearing a cypher surmounts this coronet and the cartouche in turn is surmounted by a smaller marquis' coronet. On the ground beneath and behind the shield are placed a cannon, powder keg, cannon balls, drums, and ramrods. Eight banners and standards rise above this military equipment and appear at the left and right of the shield. Garlands of flowers, pieces of armor, shields, and quivers of arrows join together to form an oval frame and the corners of the rectangular field of the tapestry there are single armorial shields surmounted by marquis' cornets. Each of the these shields corresponds to one of the quarterings of the main shield, and each occupies the same position in relation to the field as it does in relation to the shield. The coat of arms has not been identified. A narrow frame-like border encloses the entire composition. It shows conventional acanthus leaves and moldings arranged to suggest a carved and gilded frame.
InscriptionsThe Brussels' weavers mark appear and Albert Auwercx initials A. A appear woven in the center of the lower outer guard.
Provenance1896, A. Gouspy (dealer), Paris; January, 1896, sold by Gouspy to Martha Gandy Levitt (Mrs. James Hewitt) Morgan (b. 1873 - d. 1928), Paris and New York state; by descent to her son, Hewitt Morgan (b. 1895 - d. 1967), Brookline, MA; 1961, gift of Mr. and Mrs. Hewitt Morgan to the MFA. (Accession Date: February 8, 1961)