Tapestry. On a mille-fleur ground a knight wearing a sword and a surcoat, probably of velvet, with a design of large flowering pomegranites on a serpentine band. He carries a chalice in his right hand and a jewelled coronet in his left. Plain narrow red border badly worn. Some restoration. Partially lined with white cotton.

One of the Three Magi on a "Millefleurs" Ground, early 16th century

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The figure in this tapestry is likely one of the three kings who brought gifts to Jesus on the occasion of his birth. He has removed his crown out of respect and holds an elaborate covered chalice, intended as a gift. This figure is a fragment from a larger tapestry and has been joined with another partial tapestry produced around the same time and featuring a variety of flowering plants. The fashion for such "millefleurs"--meaning "a thousand flowers"--tapestries emerged in Europe around 1450 and remained popular into the early decades of the 1500s.

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Details
Title
One of the Three Magi on a "Millefleurs" Ground
Role
Artist
Accession Number
46.19.1
Curator Approved

This record is from historic documentation and may not have been reviewed by a curator, so may be inaccurate or incomplete. Our records are frequently revised and enhanced. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email collectionsdata@artsmia.org.

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Tapestry. On a mille-fleur ground a knight wearing a sword and a surcoat, probably of velvet, with a design of large flowering pomegranites on a serpentine band. He carries a chalice in his right hand and a jewelled coronet in his left. Plain narrow red border badly worn. Some restoration. Partially lined with white cotton.