Eendenjacht c. 1650

Maximiliaan van der Gucht made this tapestry, "Eendenjacht," in the 17th century using wool and silk. Tapestries like this were not simply decorative; they were a significant investment. The fineness of the weave, the quality of the materials, and the sheer amount of labor all spoke to the wealth of the patron. "Eendenjacht," meaning "Duck Hunt," shows an aristocratic hunting party. The rich colours and detailed rendering of figures and landscape were achieved through the skillful interlacing of threads. This tapestry isn't just a picture; it's a woven construction, made with a horizontal loom by highly trained artisans. Consider the many hours of work involved in its creation. From designing the scene to dyeing the threads to the slow, meticulous process of weaving. These tapestries were collective achievements, reflecting the social context of production. They remind us that so-called ‘fine art’ relies on craft traditions and skilled labor.