Year of Award
2007
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Type
Master of Arts (MA)
Other Degree Name/Area of Focus
Art History
Department or School/College
School of Art
Committee Chair
Valerie Hedquist
Committee Co-chair
H. Rafael Chacon
Commitee Members
Manuela Well-Off-Man
Keywords
Flemish tapestry, grotesque style, Josephine Bay, late sixteenth century, Mannerism, Montana Museum of Art and Culture, Raphael's Acts of the Apostles
Publisher
University of Montana
Abstract
Among the treasures of the Montana Museum of Art and Culture is a lovely and elaborate work of art entitled Wars of the Romani, a Flemish tapestry woven in the last third of the 16th century. It is a large weaving, 10’ x 15’, portraying two armies intertwined in merciless combat. The specific subject matter of Wars of the Romani is unknown, but a standard displaying the Roman eagle held aloft in the background indicates the presence of the Roman legions. The tapestry displays rushing horsemen mounted on vigorous horses, marching spearmen, and supine warriors, imagery common to Flemish battle tapestries from the last quarter of the sixteenth century. Framing the battle scene is a grotesque style border composed of gods placed within whimsical filigree architectural pavilions interwoven with fanciful decoration and mythical beasts. Wars of the Romani’s Mannerist battle scene offers a view into the pictorial trends of the late Renaissance and displays the energy of the tumultuous era in which it was woven.
Recommended Citation
Hughes, Theodore Brooks, "An Analysis of Wars of the Romani, a Flemish Tapestry From the Late Sixteenth Century" (2007). Graduate Student Theses, Dissertations, & Professional Papers. 116.
https://scholarworks.umt.edu/etd/116
© Copyright 2007 Theodore Brooks Hughes