Caesar Embarks by Boat to Join His Army from The Story of Caesar and Cleopatra
c. 1680
After a design by Justus van Egmont (1601–1674) Woven at the workshop of Gerard Peemans (1637/39–1725) Brussels
Brussels
These hangings display all the characteristics of the Flemish High Baroque: monumental figures, dramatic gestures, expressive faces, and minimal backgrounds. The story of Cleopatra and Julius Caesar was a popular subject for tapestry by the time these works were woven in the 17th century. This hanging shows a moment during the Egyptian Civil war. Following a failed attempt upon their l ives, Caeser and Cleopatra find themselves besieged by opposing Egyptian armies. Here noatman strain to convey a laurel-crowned Caesar to join his army. The water birds in the sky and the reeds at right convey the setting of the Nile.
Wool and silk, slit and double interlocking tapestry weave Warp: Count: 10 warps per cm; wool: S-ply of three Z-spun elements; diameters: 0.5–0.7 mm Weft: Count: varies from 20 to 48 wefts per cm: wool: S-ply of two Z-spun elements; diameters: 0.3–0.8 mm; silk: pairs and three yarns of S-ply of two Z-twisted elements; paired yarns of S-ply of two Z-twisted elements and single Z-twisted element; diameters: 0.4–0.85 mm