The Spanish Royal TapestriesCalvert, Albert Frederick
History
The Spanish Royal Tapestries
Calvert, Albert Frederick
Tapestry -- Spain -- History; Tapestry -- Spain -- Madrid
Two other copies, also woven in gold, were made by Pannemaker at the
command of Philip II. These are hung in the State dining-hall of the
palace. The fourth copy, in silk and wool only, was made for John of
Austria, and by him bequeathed to Philip II.
_The Story of Scipio Africanus_ (6 Tapestries)
This fine series of tapestries offers an interesting contrast with the
other historical series already described, _The Conquest of Tunis_. The
story of Scipio is in pure Renaissance style, and though the designer of
the cartoons is unknown, they show very strongly the influence of Giulio
Romano, and may even have proceeded from his pencil. Only one piece of
the tapestry bears a weaver’s mark, which has not been deciphered. They
were inherited by Charles V. from his sister, Mary of Hungary, on her
death in 1558.
The tapestries represent incidents in the life of Publius Cornelius
Scipio, the elder, surnamed Africanus from his triumphs against the
Carthaginians. Scipio was one of Rome’s greatest generals, and also a
man of very considerable culture, who wrote his own memoirs in Greek. He
was also an accomplished orator and was popularly supposed to hold
direct communication with the gods.
The tapestries deal mostly with Scipio’s campaigns in Spain and Africa.
The year after his father’s death he had offered himself for the command
in Spain. In spite of his youth he was unanimously elected. He had
previously fought at the disastrous battles of Ticinus, the Trebia, and
Cannæ.
All Spain south of the Ebro was in the hands of the Carthaginians, but
the three great Punic generals were preoccupied with revolts in Africa
and were in disagreement amongst themselves. Taking advantage of this,
Scipio unexpectedly attacked and captured New Carthage, a large supply
of war materials falling into his hands. This victory he followed up in
209 B.C. by driving Hasdrubal from Barcelona and the upper Guadalquivir.
After further victories in Spain Scipio returned to Rome and was elected
Consul for Sicily. In 204 B.C. he again sailed for Africa and landed
near Utica. He destroyed two combined armies of the Carthaginians and
the Numidians, and after peace negotiations were finally broken off
gained a crushing victory over Hannibal near Zama. This gained him the
surname of Africanus.
Some years later Scipio was charged together with his brother with
peculation. On the day of his trial, however, by reminding the people
that this was the anniversary of Zama he was acquitted amid great
acclamations. He then retired into private life.
The tapestries represent:
_Tapestry No. 1._ Siege and assault of Carthage by Scipio Africanus.
_Tapestry No. 2._ Scipio gives up his betrothed.
_Tapestry No. 3._ The Romans penetrate into the camp of Hasdrubal.
_Tapestry No. 4._ Battle of Zama and defeat of Hannibal.
_Tapestry No. 5._ The triumph of Scipio.
_Tapestry No. 6._ The banquet.
_Monkeys or Grotesque Figures_ (10 Tapestries)
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account