[Sidenote:
_Wool and Silk._
H. 9 _ft._ 4 _in._
W. 6 _ft._ 7 _in._
]
CATHERINE THE GREAT: _Catherine stands in her robes of state holding
the sceptre while the Imperial crown rests on a stool beside her. On
the wall is the Russian motto, NACHATOYE SOVERCHAYET ("What is begun is
accomplished"). It is signed and dated._
[Sidenote: Exhibited: _Metropolitan Museum_, 1912.]
For sheer technical skill the rendition of this portrait is unsurpassable.
The representation of textures is remarkable, quite on a par with the
cleverest paintings of the period.
[Illustration:
_The Poisoning of a Spy_ No. 56
]
[Illustration:
_The Arms of France and Navarre_ No. 67
]
[Sidenote: Illustrated: _Hunter, Tapestries_, pl. 229; also, _Candee,
Tapestry Book_, opp. p. 133,--but wrongly attributed to the Gobelins.]
[Sidenote: Lent by _P. W. French & Company_.]
It is, in truth, an absolutely perfect reproduction of a painting--a
painting, moreover, that from the character of all the accessories is
particularly difficult to render in wool; and while it is by no means
the business of tapestry to imitate painting, it is nevertheless an
interesting display of remarkable virtuosity. The personal power of the
forceful old Empress is strongly presented. From every aspect this is one
of the greatest portraits in a woven medium. In general color tone the
piece has remained faithful to the character of tapestry, sustaining the
rich quality that the solid texture demands. In spite, also, of the need
for many delicately graded values to render the stuffs and the modeling,
the weavers have kept the color in large enough masses to be broadly
decorative.
[Sidenote: 74]