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Important Historical Tapestry Brussels– Cyrus the Great – 17th Century - No 1534
$97,873.12
£72,489.72
€81,500
CA$133,885.53
A$145,708.60
CHF 77,240
MX$1,752,985.82
NOK 979,651.18
SEK 896,312.22
DKK 621,044.08
About the Item
Very Important
Great Tapestry Historical
Biblical by Brusseles Manufactury in 1680th
Period: 17th century
Condition: Excellent
Material: Wool
Silk
Width: 375 cm
Height: 325 cm
This magnificent tapestry, having undergone a deep cleaning, a hand-sewn 100% linen backing, and a thorough inspection by our experts our artisan workshop, is now ready to grace your interior!
The Tapestry of Cyrus the Great – Brussels, 17th Century: Between Art, Faith, and Power
Introduction
In the heart of Baroque Europe, during the 17th century, the city of Brussels emerged as one of the most prestigious centers of tapestry production. It is within this context that we find this monumental work, depicting King Cyrus of Persia—a surprisingly positive figure in the biblical tradition, despite being a pagan ruler. Probably woven between 1600 and 1650, this tapestry skillfully combines sacred history, political propaganda, and artistic virtuosity in a rich and elaborate composition.
The Subject: Cyrus the Great in the Bible
The scene portrays a bearded man—very likely a prophet (Ezra or Isaiah)—presenting a scroll to King Cyrus, identified by his crown. The Latin inscription refers to Isaiah 45, where God speaks directly to Cyrus, king of the Persians, declaring that He has chosen him as an instrument of His divine will, even though Cyrus does not know Him. In biblical texts, Cyrus is celebrated as the ruler who allowed the Jewish people exiled in Babylon to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the Temple, destroyed in 586 B.C.
This historic gesture—also confirmed by extra-biblical sources such as the Cyrus Cylinder—marks a rare recognition of a foreign king as the “anointed of the Lord” (*“anointed” in Hebrew meaning “messiah”). The scene therefore symbolizes a decisive moment in salvation history: the deliverance of the Hebrew people made possible through a pagan inspired by God.
A Religious and Political Message
The use of Latin—the language of the Catholic Church—and the theme of restoring divine order through a legitimate sovereign clearly reflect the Counter-Reformation context in which this tapestry was likely woven. The 17th century was a time of deep religious division in Europe, as Catholics and Protestants clashed on both theological and political grounds.
In this climate, the alliance between royal power and divine will became a central theme of Catholic iconography. Cyrus, though foreign to the Hebrew faith, was presented as a model ruler chosen by God to accomplish a divine mission. Thus, this tapestry can be read as an allegory of good government, a celebration of monarchic power, and perhaps even a subtle tribute to a princely patron.
The Brussels Tapestry Tradition: Prestige and Excellence
Seventeenth-century Brussels was a major center of tapestry production, rivaling Paris, Florence, and Antwerp. Under the patronage of the Spanish Habsburgs, who controlled the Southern Netherlands, Brussels workshops received prestigious commissions from royal courts, bishops, monasteries, and wealthy aristocrats.
Renowned for their mastery of vibrant colors, rich details, and high-quality materials (wool, silk, gold, and silver), Brussels ateliers excelled at translating Renaissance and Baroque pictorial models into textile art. The cartoons were often created by celebrated artists, sometimes Italian or Flemish.
This tapestry clearly demonstrates that mastery: the depth of its landscape, the variety of costumes, the subtlety of facial expressions, and, above all, its ability to narrate a complex story in a vivid and accessible way.
Interpretation and Symbolism
Far more than mere decoration, tapestries in palaces and churches served as visual manifestos—meant to teach, impress, and glorify. This piece offers multiple layers of meaning:
Historical: the biblical event of the return to Jerusalem.
Theological: God acting within human history, even through pagan rulers.
Political: a message about the proper use of royal authority, grounded in justice and obedience to God.
Aesthetic: a display of wealth, culture, and piety on the part of the patron.
Conclusion
This 17th-century Brussels tapestry, depicting Cyrus the Great and the decree of liberation for the Hebrew people, is a masterpiece of visual narration—where textile art becomes a medium of religious teaching and political legitimation. Through the example of Cyrus, it conveys the idea that even a king outside the faith can become an instrument of divine purpose—an eminently useful theme in the monarchic and Catholic Europe of the Grand Siècle.
It also stands as a precious testimony to the skill of Brussels workshops, which combined biblical inspiration, ornamental richness, and symbolic power to create works that continue to speak across the centuries.
Located a stone's throw from the Eiffel Tower in Paris, we are a French family business
specializing in the purchase, sale, expertise, cleaning, restoration and conservation of
tapestries, rugs, kilims and antique, modern and contemporary textiles.
We have a sublime collection of woven works of art.
We work with private clients, antique dealers, amateurs and French, American and international
decorators.
We also have a craft workshop where our experts with 33 years of experience carry out
traditional Restoration, Conservation and cleaning, Washing work, which is why our prices are
very fair and correct on the market!
We are proud to offer our customers quality pieces and exceptional service.
- Creator:Brussels Manufactory (Weaver)
- Dimensions:Height: 127.96 in (325 cm)Width: 147.64 in (375 cm)Depth: 0.2 in (5 mm)
- Style:French Provincial (In the Style Of)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1680
- Condition:
- Seller Location:Paris, FR
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU4874146557662
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