The Circumcision 1600 - 1615

This is a tapestry titled "The Circumcision." The unknown artist created the artwork in an unknown year, and it now resides at The Metropolitan Museum of Art. A dense, tapestry surface of woven threads in greens, blues, reds, and browns presents a complex, layered composition. The central scene of the circumcision is framed by an archway, set against a dark background teeming with floral and vegetal motifs. This division creates a stage-like space, separating the main action from the decorative elements. Ornate borders with portraits and symbolic objects further enclose the scene, adding to the feeling of an interior space. The composition is further divided by the floral motif to create an interior and exterior space. The overall structure reflects a concern with symbolic order, where each element is carefully placed to contribute to the tapestry’s narrative and decorative function. The weaving technique and the formal arrangement emphasize the tapestry as a crafted object, drawing attention to its materiality. This tapestry presents a rich interplay between form and content, inviting the viewer to decode its multiple layers of meaning.