[Sidenote:
_Wool and Silk._
H. 9 _ft._ 1 _in._
W. 8 _ft._ 9 _in._
]
ARMORIAL: _Two amorini support a shield. Above, crossed banners; below,
dolphins. Six flags radiate from the shield, each bearing the initial
P surmounted by a crown. Border of scrolls and classic figures._ _In
cartouches in the side and lower borders the initials F_, _G_, _and X
respectively_, _and in the corresponding cartouche of the top border the
date_, 1556. _On the right lower selvage is the city mark of Bruges, with
the weaver's monogram, A. F._[26]
[Sidenote: Lent by _P. W. French & Company_.]
This tapestry is very interesting, not only because it is a clear, strong
example of a Renaissance heraldic hanging, but because very few pieces
of the period can be ascribed definitely to Bruges although it is known
that important looms flourished there. The weaver's monogram has not
been identified. The coat of arms, which is also unidentified, seems to
be Spanish, and judging by the coronet evidently belonged to a family of
high station. The amorini are after a follower of Giulio Romano, if not by
Romano himself.
The relief effect of the design is quite extraordinary.
[Sidenote: 35]