An early sixteenth-century Brussels tapestry has been acquired for the city of Brussels, where it is currently on display in the Brussels City Museum on the Grand Place. Until recently, this tapestry decorated the walls of the House of Lords in London.
The City of Brussels, the King Baudouin Foundation, the Fondation Périer-D’Ieteren and the Royal Manufacturers De Wit raised the necessary funds to acquire the tapestry earlier this year and return it to the city where it was created. The tapestry not only illustrates the craftsmanship of Brussels, but also the importance of tapestry production in the development of the city.
Brussels workshop, King Solomon Inviting his Mother Bathsheba to Share his Throne, ca. 1530
King Baudouin Foundation, the City of Brussels, the Fondation Périer-D’Ieteren and vzw De Wit
The tapestry dates from 1530 and depicts King Solomon inviting his mother Bathsheba to share the throne. It is part of a series of tapestries, now dispersed, consisting of six scenes from the life of Bathsheba. While the first three parts tell the story of David and his wife Bathsheba, the last three tell the story of Solomon and his mother Bathsheba. The life of Bathsheba is not often combined with those of David and Solomon in the same series of tapestries. No other similar series is known to date.
The condition of the tapestry is remarkable, as it is in an excellent state of preservation. Its colors have been magnificently preserved, as well as the original border and marks identifying its production in Brussels.
The Solomon and Bathsheba tapestry will be on display for two years, after which it will be placed in storage for preventive conservation before being displayed again.