Familiewapens Oetgens van Waveren en Spiegel c. 1624 - 1644

This tapestry presents the family crests Oetgens van Waveren en Spiegel. Notice how Tobias Schaep has constructed an orderly composition that evokes a sense of dynastic pride. The rectangular format is divided into three distinct zones. In the central zone, the heraldic emblems are rendered with gold and red against a dense blue ground, immediately drawing the viewer's eye. The escutcheons are framed by symmetrical foliage and topped with a griffin-like figure, suggesting power and lineage. Zoomorphic forms such as lions, horses, bulls, and goats fill the periphery with dynamic energy; they are strategically placed to balance the overall design. The tension between heraldic symbolism and decorative elements destabilizes any singular meaning, allowing the tapestry to function aesthetically as well as symbolically. Note how the interplay of color and form reinforces the tapestry's formal structure, creating a rich visual field that invites ongoing interpretation.