A 2700 PIECE TAPESTRY COLLECTION
It is one of the oldest forms of woven textiles. For centuries these beautiful objects were among the most magnificent possessions of the most powerful and influentials
First attested in English in 1467, the word tapestry derives from Old French tapisserie, from tapisser, meaning “to cover with heavy fabric, to carpet”
Tapestries have been used since at least Hellenistic times. Samples of Greek tapestry have been found preserved in the desert of Tarim Basin dating from the 3rd century BC.
It is one of the oldest forms of woven textiles. For centuries these beautiful objects were among the most magnificent possessions of kings, princes and popes. The Victoria & Albert Museum collection ranges from medieval and Renaissance masterpieces to the finest examples of contemporary tapestry design.
THE TRIUMPH OF THE DEATH or The Three Fates, 1510-1520
(For more see video below)
Physical description
Tapestry with detached border, depicting the three fates triumphing over the fallen body of Chastity , wool and silk.
Place of Origin
Netherlands (south, made)
Date
early 16th century (made)
Artist/maker
Unknown
Materials and Techniques
Tapestry woven in wool and silk
Descriptive line
Tapestry ‘The Three Fates’ (‘The Triumph of Death’), Flemish, early 16th century.
Labels and date
THE TRIUMPH OF DEATH or THE THREE FATES
The three fates, Clotho, Lachesis and Atropos, who spin, draw out and cut the thread of Life, represent Death in this tapestry, as they triumph over the fallen body of Chastity. This is the third subject in Petrarch’s poem The Triumphs. First, Love triumphs; then Love is overcome by Chastity, Chastity by Death, Death by Fame, Fame by Time and Time by Eternity.
FLEMISH (probably BRUSSELS); c. 1510-20
Museum number 65-1866 [c. 2003]
Subjects depicted
Fate; Life; Death
Categories
Images Online; Tapestry; Textiles; Wall coverings
Collection
Textiles and Fashion Collection
In mythology the Fates controlled the span of human life; Clotho was the spinner, Lachesis was the drawer of lots, and Atropos represented the inevitable end to life.
This is a fragment from a larger tapestry, from a series based on the poem I Trionfi (The Triumphs), written by the Italian poet Petrach between 1352 and 1374. The poem described a series of allegorical visions.
The V&A has recognised the importance of tapestry since it was founded, acquiring five important medieval and Renaissance pieces in the 1850s. The collection has grown to include many varieties of tapestry weaving, from fragments of Egyptian tapestry, to the magnificent Devonshire Hunting Tapestries, and modern works by contemporary designers, including Marta Rogoyska and Ali Salim.
