a piece from the cycle of ten tapestries woven for Marie de' Medici, The Stories of Queen Artemisia, based on an epic account by Nicolas Houel; woven in the Faubourg Saint-Marcel manufactory of Marc de Comans and Frauçois de las Planche; warp undyed wool, 7 ends per cm., weft dyed wool and silk, 24-36 ends per cm.

The Philosophers, c. 1611-1627

expand_more
Not on Viewexpand_more

This tapestry depicting philosophers gathered in a refined court is part of a series that tells the ancient story of Artemesia, queen of Caria (southwest region of modern-day Turkey). She was exceptional for ruling without a husband when many believed only kings should rule.

This is one of eight tapestries devoted to the widowed queen’s cultured and stable reign. Though the tapestries were woven in 1600s France, their designs were informed by a collection of illustrated sonnets composed in 1562. These were commissioned by the widowed French queen Catherine de Medici (1519–1589), who looked to Artemesia as an example of powerful and just female leadership.

file_downloadprintshare
arrow_back home
Details
Title
The Philosophers
Role
Designer
Dimension
H.159 x W.124-1/4 in. (irregular)
Accession Number
48.13.1
Curator Approved

This record has been reviewed by our curatorial staff but may be incomplete. These records are frequently revised and enhanced. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email collectionsdata@artsmia.org.

Does something look wrong with this image? Let us know

Zoom in on the left to the detail you'd like to save. Click 'Save detail' and wait until the image updates. Right click the image to 'save image as' or copy link, or click the image to open in a new tab.

a piece from the cycle of ten tapestries woven for Marie de' Medici, The Stories of Queen Artemisia, based on an epic account by Nicolas Houel; woven in the Faubourg Saint-Marcel manufactory of Marc de Comans and Frauçois de las Planche; warp undyed wool, 7 ends per cm., weft dyed wool and silk, 24-36 ends per cm.