-
1 of 253523 objects
Diogenes beside his barrel 1682-83
Woven silk and wool tapestry | 320.0 x 144.0 cm (whole object) | RCIN 27951
Mortlake
Diogenes beside his barrel 1682-83
-
One panel from a series of Mortlake tapestries depicting the life of Diogenes, illustrating Diogenes seated on the ground outside his barrel, a book open in front of him, discoursing with a male passerby, set in landscape of trees and rocky outcrops. Top and bottom border of central medallion with sprays of flowers. One of a set of five panels from this series in the Royal Collection. This piece has the remains of a letter "B" woven into the lower right hand side.
Sets at Weald Hall (with borders by Clein) and at Belton House follow the same design. The present set is likely to have been the first, Mortlake, weaving of which later sets were copies.
Provenance
Purchased for Charles II, 1682-3. A set is mentioned at Kensington and recorded at St James's in 1695/6 as '6 peeces of hangings of Diogenes 11 foote', of which the present piece is probably a member. Hung at Newmarket Palace until its demolition in 1855. Lent by Queen Victoria to the South Kensington Museum on 1858 and then sent to Palace of Holyroodhouse in 1882.
-
Creator(s)
(tapestry manufacturer)(nationality)Acquirer(s)
-
Medium and techniques
Woven silk and wool tapestry
Measurements
320.0 x 144.0 cm (whole object)
Alternative title(s)
The Life of Diogenes