A piece from the tapestry cycle woven for Marie de' Medici, The Stories of Queen Artemisia, based on an epic account by Nicolas Houel; weaving attributed to the workshop of Lucas Wanderdalle in the Faubourg Saint-Marcel manufactory of Marc de Coman and François de la Planche; warp undyed wool, 6½-8 ends per cm., weft dyed wool and silk, 20-48 ends per cm.

The Queen Distributing the Booty, designed 1562–1565 (woven 1611–1627)

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This tapestry is one of a set of eight tapestries that depict the stories of Queen Artemisia*. These tapestries were modeled after Catherine de’Medici, who ruled France during the mid 16th century. During her rule, France was embroiled in religious and economic turmoil. In an effort to demonstrate her own devotion to her husband and her ability to rule successfully, Catherine de’Medici adopted Queen Artemisia as her alter-ego, and in the late 16th century a set of tapestries were made to illustrate the story.

This tapestry depicts the victorious queen, Artemisia, paying her royal forces with jewels and gold plate after the battle of Rhodes. As in several of the other tapestries from this series, the coats of arms in France (lilies) and Navarre (crossed chains) have been included in the borders, as well as the initial 'L' of Louis XIII.

*Other tapestries from this set are on view in Gallery 235.

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Queen Distributing the Booty (#439)
Details
Title
The Queen Distributing the Booty
Role
Weaver
Dimension
H.161-3/8 x W.234-7/8 in. (irregular)
Accession Number
48.13.10
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.

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A piece from the tapestry cycle woven for Marie de' Medici, The Stories of Queen Artemisia, based on an epic account by Nicolas Houel; weaving attributed to the workshop of Lucas Wanderdalle in the Faubourg Saint-Marcel manufactory of Marc de Coman and François de la Planche; warp undyed wool, 6½-8 ends per cm., weft dyed wool and silk, 20-48 ends per cm.