Object Description
“Allegory of Spring”
Circa 1650s, Brussels
280 x 405 cm
Composition: Silk & Wool
This tapestry entitled “Allegory of Spring” was woven in the mid-17th century in Brussels, using the highest quality of wool. The overall effect of the Brussel’s technique is a smooth surface and a precise drawing. It is a mythological pastoral scene adapted to the 17th century’s lifestyle. Nature is the predominant subject in which the characters are doing daily tasks while they celebrate spring. The allegory of spring is classically depicted as the burgeoning fertility of the world. In this tapestry, the vivid colors and the multiple trees, flowers and plants underline the flourishing life reminiscence during this season. Nature is lush, abundant. Fruits and flowers invade the space structured by the path through the castle. This castle is in a classical 17th-century architectural style which was predominant in western Europe. For more than three centuries the Brussels tapestry weavers had produced work of high quality and had played a leading role in other European countries. Some well-known tapestries produced in this period have been lost over the course of the years.