a piece from the tapestry cycle 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 François de la Planche between 1611 and 1627; warp undyed wool, 7-8 three fourths ends per cm., weft dyed wool and silk, 28-40 ends per cm.Proper left H.158 in. (13' 2"); center H.158-1/2 in. (13' 2-1/2"); proper right H.157-3/4 in. (131' 1-3/4"); bottom W. 237-1/2 (19'9-1/2"); center W.235-1/2 in. (19'7-1/2"); top W. 239 in. (19'11").

The Riding Lesson, designed 1562–1565 (woven 1611–1627)

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A crown prince's education was carefully regulated so that he would become a capable king. Normally this process was supervised by the king, but if he died the responsibility was often assumed by the widowed queen. We see the regent queen on the left, supervising a riding lesson. The statue of Hercules indicates male approval and has been included in the design to assure the contemporary viewer that the future king would be well-educated.

Horsemanship was a particularly important skill for military purposes, and difficult maneuvers, such as the one shown here, displayed a gentleman's refinement as well as his ability to control power artfully.

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Details
Title
The Riding Lesson
Artist Life
1521–1599
Role
Designer
Accession Number
48.13.7
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; woven in the Faubourg Saint-Marcel Manufactory of Marc de Comans and François de la Planche between 1611 and 1627; warp undyed wool, 7-8 three fourths ends per cm., weft dyed wool and silk, 28-40 ends per cm.Proper left H.158 in. (13' 2"); center H.158-1/2 in. (13' 2-1/2"); proper right H.157-3/4 in. (131' 1-3/4"); bottom W. 237-1/2 (19'9-1/2"); center W.235-1/2 in. (19'7-1/2"); top W. 239 in. (19'11").