ca. 1420-30
Town Basel,
Switzerland
Switzerland
Object qualities
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Objecttextile (towels, carpets, etc.): Tapestry fragment
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Type of arts & crafts
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MediumTapestry weave: wool on linen
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Size33 7/16 x 29 1/2 in. (85 x 75 cm)
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Geography detailsMade in
Town Basel,
Switzerland -
Country today
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Dateca. 1420-30
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CultureUpper Rhenish
Source of information
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Type of sourceDatabase “Metropolitan Museum of Art”
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Fund that the source refers toMetropolitan Museum of Art
Description
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This tapestry fragment represents a fabulous lionlike beast with pointed teeth, clawed feet, and a scaly rump. Such beasts, derived from those illustrated in classical texts like the Physiologus and medieval bestiaries, represent vices. Here the figures posed with them seem to have tamed their libidinous cravings. Such tapestries were displayed in homes providing decoration as well as insulation.