The Drowning of Britomartis from Scenes from the Story of Diana 1547 - 1559

Jean Cousin the Elder created this tapestry, "The Drowning of Britomartis," part of the Scenes from the Story of Diana, at an unknown date. This piece invites us to consider the narratives woven into its threads. It depicts a scene from classical mythology, filtered through a Renaissance lens, revealing much about attitudes toward gender, violence, and power. Britomartis, a figure of female agency and resistance, is pursued relentlessly. She is driven to desperate measures, as is evidenced by the decided lack of other options, and ultimately meets a tragic fate. Consider the male gaze prevalent in the composition. The male figures are active, predatory, while Britomartis is vulnerable, almost exposed. It forces us to confront the ways in which women's bodies and stories have been historically represented and consumed. The tapestry serves not only as a retelling of myth, but also a reflection of the social and moral values of its time, inviting us to critically examine these enduring narratives.