Huge Brussels Tapestry – Constantine At The Milvian Bridge – 17th Century

Huge Brussels Tapestry – Constantine at the Milvian Bridge – 17th centuryImpressive wool and silk tapestry, measuring approximately 340 x 440 cm, depicting a famous episode in the life of Constantine: the vision of the Cross before the Battle of the Milvian Bridge (312 AD). The scene shows Emperor Constantine, accompanied by his officers and richly harnessed horses, as he sees the divine sign in the sky announcing his victory. On the left, Constantine, dressed in Roman armor stylized in the style of 17th-century Baroque representations, is distinguished by his hieratic pose and imperial cloak. On the right, a squire holds the richly detailed horses. The background develops a hilly and green landscape, with a stone bridge, an allusion to the Milvian Bridge. In the sky, the famous sign of the cross, accompanied by rays of light, completes the spiritual dimension of the composition. The typically Flemish borders are decorated with garlands of fruit, flowers and birds, punctuated with ribbons and cartouches. Also visible are helmets, breastplates and military trophies, echoing the warlike theme of the scene. An angel is present in each corner. - Brussels, first third of the 17th century (circa 1620-1650). - Tapestry probably from one of the great Brussels workshops (such as those of Jan Raes or Jacob Geubels), specialized in the production of historical and biblical cycles based on cartoons by Mannerist and Baroque painters. - The style, marked by a sculptural treatment of the figures and a taste for naturalistic detail in the borders, brings this work closer to the cycles of tapestries commissioned on cartoons after Peter Paul Rubens (notably the series of the History of Constantine produced for the court of Mantua). The tapestry shows wear and slight discoloration related to its age, as well as holes including a gap of about 20cm visible in the lower border. The whole remains solid and the reading of the scene perfectly clear. Monumental piece, witness to the Brussels high-lice of the 17th century. As is. Restorations and losses. The colors are beautiful and the tapestry retains its integrity. There are some losses, notably in the lower part (see photos). Old restorations. We had the lower part doubled and had a braid installed to secure this part which has suffered the ravages of time. Height: 340 cm – Width: 440 cm ???? Provenance: Private collection of a castle in the Tarn