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

This is a section of bed hangings with grotesque figures made by Cornelis Floris II, sometime in the 16th century. Floris, an architect and sculptor from Antwerp, was a leading figure in the Northern Renaissance. His designs, widely disseminated through prints, helped define the Renaissance aesthetic in the Netherlands. Looking at the tapestry, we see more than just decoration; we witness a cultural dialogue. The grotesque style, borrowed from ancient Roman art, was revived during the Renaissance as part of a broader effort to reconnect with classical antiquity. These bed hangings adorned a space of great intimacy, where the inhabitants would dream, procreate, and potentially find solace from the tumultuous world outside. As such, the tapestries are not just decorative; they were integral to the performative aspects of domestic life. They are a silent witness to the unfolding dramas of family, identity, and status. These panels offer a glimpse into the complex interplay between art, identity, and the intimate spaces we inhabit.