King George II (1683–1760) 1732 - 1735

This portrait of King George II was rendered in tapestry by John van Beaver, a renowned eighteenth-century weaver. It shows the king in fine detail; note the contours of his face, the elaborate wig, and the royal robe. But this is not just a picture of a royal figure. The image is literally woven with social and cultural significance, as tapestry was a labor-intensive art form often associated with luxury and power, and it speaks to the ways in which artistry and craft were intertwined with social status. Tapestry involves interlacing weft threads through warp threads to create an image. Van Beaver must have used a loom to methodically build the image, and his artistry lies in his ability to translate a regal likeness into a textile. By focusing on the materials and processes involved in its creation, we gain insight into its historical context, and the status of both the subject and the maker. This piece challenges traditional notions of art, elevating craft to a level befitting royalty.