Mars and Venus c.1575
Woven silk and wool tapestry | 358.0 x 476.0 cm (whole object) | RCIN 28123
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One panel from a series of Brussels tapestries, 'The Planets', depicting Mars embracing Venus, two warriors standing behind and two kneeling maidens and a youth playing instruments to the right. In the sky Jupiter is shown holding thunderbolts and seated on an eagle, with Mercury beside him holding a caduceus. Border of fruit, flowers and figures. One from a set of four panels from this series in the Royal Collection. Another weaving from the same cartoons, with similar borders and bearing the same weaver's mark (so far unidentified), is at Hardwick Hall, Derbyshire, where there are five panels, one a narrower replica of the 'Mars and Venus' panel. The tapestries are believed to be those listed in the 1601 Inventory, in the Pearl Bedchamber.
Provenance
First recorded in the Royal Collection c.1860 when sent by the Prince Consort from Hampton Court to the Palace of Holyroodhouse to hang in the private apartments. They were hung on the Great Stair after 1918.
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Creator(s)
(nationality) -
Medium and techniques
Woven silk and wool tapestry
Measurements
358.0 x 476.0 cm (whole object)
Category
Alternative title(s)
The Planets