Object Description
Massive antique Flemish tapestry of Don Quixote by Leyniers
Flemish, Early 18th Century
Height 312cm, width 549cm
Crafted in the early 1700s, this remarkable Brussels tapestry is the work of Urbanus (1674–1747) and Daniel II Leyniers (1669–1747), two master weavers from one of Europe’s most celebrated textile families. The Leyniers dynasty, active from the 16th to the 18th century, was renowned for its unparalleled skill in weaving and dyeing. Based in Brussels, they were among the city’s most distinguished artisans, producing luxurious wall hangings for noble households across Europe. Their works are now held in major museum collections, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York.
This exceptional piece belongs to the famed Don Quixote tapestry series, inspired by Miguel de Cervantes’ 1605 literary classic, considered a cornerstone of Spanish literature. The scene captures a dramatic and symbolic moment in the story: Don Quixote, the idealistic and deluded knight, is transported home in a wooden ox-cart by his companions, who convince him that he is under a magical spell.
At the heart of the composition sits Don Quixote, surrounded by a dynamic crowd of horsemen and villagers. On the right, a grand architectural structure with a vine-laden balcony hosts curious spectators peering down at the event below. The landscape features detailed depictions of wooded hills, natural rock formations, and dense foliage, lending the scene a sense of rich depth and realism.
Woven in a mix of wool and silk threads, the tapestry is enhanced with shimmering metal-thread highlights, especially evident in the borders. The subtle, earthy colour palette lends a serene atmosphere, while the storytelling injects drama and energy.
The lower right corner bears the woven signature ‘B B LYNIERS REYDAMS’, where the double ‘B’ denotes the Brussels Brabant town mark. A finely detailed border, composed of scrolling acanthus leaves, frames the scene with elegance.
With over three centuries of history, this tapestry not only showcases the outstanding craftsmanship of the Leyniers atelier but also brings to life one of literature’s most iconic narratives. A museum-quality piece, it offers collectors an extraordinary opportunity to own a significant work of decorative art from the golden age of Flemish weaving.