[Sidenote:
_Wool._
No. 53:
H. 10 _ft._ 7 _in._
W. 29 _ft._
No. 54:
H. 10 _ft._ 4 _in._
W. 9 _ft._ 4 _in._
No. 55:
H. 10 _ft._ 3½ _in._
W. 7 _ft._ 2 _in._
No. 56:
H. 10 _ft._ 4½ _in._
W. 7 _ft._ 3 _in._
]
THE OPERATIONS OF THE SIEGE OF LILLE: _Number_ 53 _represents the battle
of Wynendael Wood._ _Lord Cobham on horseback with his sword drawn is in
the midst of his troops._
_Number_ 54 _shows the burning of Lille_. _The burning city is seen in the
background. Soldiers in the foreground are getting bundles of wood to feed
the flames._
_Number_ 55 _shows cavaliers foraging_. _Soldiers are carrying bundles of
hay for their horses and a lamb lies on the ground ready to be carried
off._
_Number_ 56 _shows the poisoning of a spy_. _The cavaliers have just given
a glass of poisoned wine to a young woman who is about to drink._
_The borders simulate wooden frames and carry the arms of Lord Cobham._
[Sidenote: Formerly in Stowe House.]
The set was designed by Van der Meulen for Lord Cobham, who served under
the Duke of Marlborough and had a brilliant military career. It was woven
at the Royal Manufactory of Brussels under the direction of Leyniers,
whose signature appears in the border of three pieces. In the fourth piece
is the signature ACASTRO, Latin for Van der Beurcht.
Cobham inherited Stowe House in 1697, and these tapestries until recently
hung in the dining-room there.
[Sidenote: Lent by _Jacques Seligmann & Company_.]
The set ranks with the strongest and most effective pieces of the
period, rich both in illustrative action and in decoration. The weave is
technically perfect.
[Sidenote: 57]