How were these panels originally displayed?

Seventeenth-century tapestries were primarily hung on stone or wood-panelled walls inside large aristocratic homes to provide both decorative splendour and insulation against the cold. Over subsequent centuries, many large hangings were cut down into smaller panels, borders, or cushion covers to suit changing domestic fashions and smaller domestic interiors.

Can these textile panels be hung on walls today?

Yes, many collectors mount these historic fragments onto linen or display them behind glass within dedicated frames to protect the delicate fibres from dust and tension. Careful positioning away from direct sunlight ensures the natural wool and silk dyes retain their remaining depth and character.

What is a verdure tapestry?

A verdure tapestry depicts a stylised woodland scene dominated by trees, leaves, plants, and occasionally small birds or animals rather than human historical narratives. These landscape designs were immensely popular across Flemish and French workshops throughout the seventeenth century for creating tranquil interior atmospheres.

How do you distinguish Flemish work from English needlework?

Flemish pieces are typically woven on looms using wool and silk yarns to create large-scale pictorial or verdure compositions with rich tonal gradations. English examples from the same era more frequently take the form of needlework pictures, stumpwork embroidery, or cushion covers worked by hand with wool and silk thread on a linen ground.