Tapestry Depicting Godfrey of Bouillon
Culturepossibly
Flemish
or
Culturepossibly
French
Dateabout 1500
Mediumdyed wool with later repairs
Dimensions271.8 x 198.1 cm (107 x 78 in.)
ClassificationsTextiles
Credit LineThe John Woodman Higgins Armory Collection
Object number2014.100
DescriptionThis tapestry depicts Godrey of Bouillon, a French crusader who gained fame in the siege of Jerusalem in 1099 and was elected ruler of the city after its capture.Label TextIn medieval castles and palaces, tapestries provided decoration and education--as well as warmth in the uninsulated buildings of the day. This tapestry represents Godfrey of Bouillon, the first ruler of the Crusader kingdom of Jerusalem. Godrey was one of the Nine Worthies who were considered the most important men of medieval legend: Hector of Troy, Alexander the Great, and Julius Caesar for the pagans; Joshua, David, and Judas Maccabeus for the Jews; and King Arthur, Emperor Charlemagne, and Godfrey for the Christians. Godfrey died in 1100, but here both man and horse wear battle armor in the style of about 1500.ProvenanceEx collection of Madam Louis Jacques Balsan, formerly Duchess of Marlborough, Paris sale on March 14, 1918. Purchased by John W. Higgins from French & Co., Inc. (NYC) (their # 79598) on January 18, 1949. Given to the Museum on October 13, 1970. Collection transfer from Higgins Armory, January 2014.
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