Workshop of Jérôme Le Clerc (active 1676-1719)
Tapestry with the Arms of King William and Queen Mary
Brussels, after a design attributed to Daniel Marot (1661-1752). About 1694-1700.
Wool, silk and silver thread.
This magnificent tapestry, one of a set of eight, features the royal arms of William III and Mary II, supported by figures of Mars and Wisdom. The royal motto Honi soit qui mal y pense (shame be to him who thinks evil of it) curlsaround the shield and below is a banderole with the words Le maintiendray (I will maintain). The finest Brussels weavers made this panel using an exceptional design attributed to Daniel Marot. It was the finest tapestry at Culham Court; others can be seen in the backgrounds of her portraits.
This object can be seen in our current exhibition ‘Portrait of a Lady: The Life and Passions of Lady Barber’ (14 December 2012 – 24 February 2013) in the Lady Barber Gallery.
Lady Barber’s Collection (No. B/2/14)
