Tapestry: Perseus and Andromeda

Francis Cleyn (1580 - 1657)

V&A (Victoria & Albert Museum)

1635 - 1645

This tapestry depicts the mythological story of Perseus and Andromeda. Andromeda, seen here chained to a rock in the background as a sacrifice to a sea monster, was rescued by Perseus, on his winged horse Pegasus. The tapestry is the only known survivor of a set of six pieces woven at the Mortlake tapestry manufactory in London between 1635 and 1642. The series illustrated scenes from the Metamorphoses by the Roman poet Ovid, but was referred to as 'The Horses' in the 17th century, as each tapestry featured a figure on horseback.

• Medium: metal thread, silk, wool
• Dimensions: 305 x 323 cm
• Art Fund Grant: £10000 ( Total: £20,790)
• ArtFunded in: 1990
• Vendor: Sotheby's

Provenance

James R.Herbert Boon Collection.

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