Italian
Hanging, 1725-1775
Silk cut velvet, linen tabby embroidered with silk and metal yarns , 255 x 181.9 cm (100 3/8 x 71 5/8 in.)
General admission for children 17 years and under is always free
This dark red Italian hanging is made of silk cut velvet and linen tabby embroidered with silk and metal yarns. At the center is a tan embroidered oval medallion, with a crown atop and with olive branches on each side. The medallion features a rampant lion shown in profile facing our right, standing on its two hind legs with its forelegs raised and its mouth slightly open. The lion tail wears a crown with black decorations, and stands on an embroidered green mound. This medallion is framed by two pink twisting columns that each have a cream and green colored garland entwined around it. The columns are topped with a floral decoration and stand on square bases. Much of the velvet fabric and the embroidered details show significant wear.
Titian Room
Commentary
Isabella Stewart Gardner kept meticulous records of many of her acquisitions. In keeping with this legacy, object information is continually being reviewed, updated, and enriched in order to give greater access to the collection.