Tapestry depicting a man holding a sword beside a horseman followed by other riders. Front view.

The departure of the prodigal son, Cl. 1495 (detail) © GrandPalaisRmn / Christian Jean, Gérard Blot

Tapestry depicting three scenes of the Departure of the Prodigal Son. Front view.

The departure of the prodigal son, Cl. 1495 © GrandPalaisRmn / Michel Urtado

Tapestry depicting a man leaning forward with his arms outstretched toward a woman, surrounded by men and women. Front view.

The departure of the prodigal son, Cl. 1495 (detail) © GrandPalaisRmn / Michel Urtado

Tapestry depicting a man holding a mule and two men carrying a chest. Front view.

The departure of the prodigal son, Cl. 1495 (detail) © GrandPalaisRmn / Michel Urtado

Tapestry depicting a man with a long staff, holding a falcon, and surrounded by dogs. Front view.

The departure of the prodigal son, Cl. 1495 (detail) © GrandPalaisRmn / Michel Urtado

Tapestry depicting a man handing a purse to a young man, surrounded by men and women. Front view.

The departure of the prodigal son, Cl. 1495 (detail) © GrandPalaisRmn / Michel Urtado

The departure of the prodigal son

Description

Not on display

16th century

Late Middle Ages

The subject of this tapestry is borrowed from parables, the stories Jesus tells in the Gospels. A young man asks his father for his share of the heritage (scene on the left), proudly leaves on his dappled horse (scene in the centre) and arrives at the inn, embraces a young woman, and prepares to spend his fortune. In the background, a mule carries the traveller's baggage. The costumes allow the piece to be dated to around 1520.

The open composition features a foreground reminiscent of millefleurs; it is structured by the two decorated small columns that separate the three scenes. The depth and landscape are portrayed in a convincing manner.
 

From one artwork to another

Lead object: boat with an inscription on the sail carrying a Virgin and Child. Front view.

Pilgrimage badge, Notre-Dame, Cl. 4697 © GrandPalaisRmn / Michel Urtado

Pilgrimage badges

13th century - 14th century - 15th century

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Printed book page adorned with a historical scene framed by text. Front view.

Ship of Fools, Cl. 23921 © GrandPalaisRmn / Michel Urtado

Ship of Fools

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Metal object with two engraved panels: one depicting a woman holding a lit candle, and the other a woman with a sword. Front view.

Sibyls, portable diptych for private devotion, Cl. 23986 © GrandPalaisRmn / Michel Urtado

Sibyls

Circa 1500-1510

Gilded metalwork piece adorned with engraved patterns and crystal beads. Front view.

Phylactery reliquary from the collegiate church of Notre-Dame de Termonde, Cl. 13073 © GrandPalaisRmn / Franck Raux

Phylactery reliquary

13th century