Panel with grotesques, from a set of bed hangings 1545 - 1565

This tapestry panel with grotesques, part of a set of bed hangings, was designed by Cornelis Floris II in the 16th century. During the Renaissance, the bed was more than just a place to sleep, it was a stage for social rituals, symbolizing status and wealth. Tapestries like this one, with their intricate designs, served to broadcast the owner's sophistication and power. The grotesque style, with its fantastical creatures and hybrid forms, reflects a period of exploration and cultural exchange, as artists drew inspiration from classical antiquity and the wider world. But I wonder, as we gaze upon these scenes of abundance and opulence, what about those whose labor made such displays possible? Where are the weavers, mostly women, whose skilled hands brought these images to life? The tapestry invites us to consider the complex interplay of creativity, commerce, and the human cost of luxury. Through its elaborate design, this panel invites us to consider the stories it tells and those it leaves untold.