Reference number: 78J/ 2920

Origin: Flanders-Oudenaarde

Period: 16th century

Provenance: Private Collection

Presentation of the work: Herminia gathered by the shepherds

This Flemish tapestry, probably from Oudenaarde, is made of wool and silk. It dates from the end of the 16th century. It is based on the story of Jerusalem Delivered by Tasso, and depicts the episode of Herminia taken in by the shepherds. It is a panel measuring 2.05m long and 1.80m wide. It was probably part of a hanging, the other pieces of which have disappeared.

The scene takes place in a forest landscape, cut in two by a strange ivy-covered column of dominoes. In the centre is a richly dressed lady, wrapped in a large shawl. She is the most important figure in the work. A man to her right is about to grab the reins of a red horse at her side. This rather simply dressed figure is said to be the woman's servant and is bringing the horse to her. At the back, a man with a shovel and a dog approaches, looking cheerful and waving his cap. He is probably a peasant or a shepherd. In the background, there are additional scenes, unfortunately cut out. On the left, a woman is clutching a man who falls backwards. Is this an embrace or a fight between lovers? Above this group, in the background, is a bed, near which several figures are approaching. To the right of the room, a group of people are gathered in a temple, recognisable by its Ionic columns. In the middle of the work, a large perspective opens onto a cityscape. On one side of the river, fortifications have been built.

The key to reading this tapestry lies in the representation of the column in the middle of the picture. It is made up of dominoes and refers to an analysis, known as the 'domino effect', of the text of Tasso's Jerusalem Delivered. The author describes characters with a complex psychology.

Jerusalem Delivered tells the story of the First Crusade led by Godfrey of Bouillon and the capture of the Holy City. The Saracen camp is opposed to the Christian camp, and love affairs are interwoven with this historical background. The characters include the Christian warrior Tancred, who is in love with Clorinda and desired by Herminia, both Saracens.

The main scene depicts the episode where Herminie takes refuge with the shepherds. The forest setting, the thatched cottage in the background, the shepherd and his dog all suggest this. The servant on the left, leading the horse towards her, shows that she is worthy of honour. The text emphasises the nobility of the woman despite the poor environment in which she now lives. Likewise, an air of majesty emanates from this figure surrounded by simpler people.

The side scenes are more difficult to identify. The woman clutching a man who falls backwards can be seen as either an embrace or a struggle. The embrace between lovers is expected in this story. As for the fight, there is indeed a confrontation between Tancredi and Clorinda when the latter first comes to meet him. But it is an armed fight, not a bare-knuckle one as the image shows. Finally, the urban landscape in the background is similar to the description of Jerusalem in the text (presence of fortifications, a valley, and marine elements).

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