Diogenes writing on the wall 1682-83
Woven silk and wool tapestry | 309.0 x 184.0 cm (whole object) | RCIN 28899
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One panel from a series of Mortlake tapestries depicting the life of Diogenes, illustrating Diogenes writing on a wall above the doorway of a ruined house, observed by two young men. Border of floral swags and acanthus leaves, cartouches centre top and bottom, all on brown ground. One of a set of five panels from this series in the Royal Collection.
Sets at Weald Hall (with borders by Clein) and at Belton House follow the same design. The present set is likely to have been the first, Mortlake, weaving of which later sets were copies.
Provenance
Purchased for Charles II, 1682-3. A set is mentioned at Kensington and recorded at St James's in 1695/6 as '6 peeces of hangings of Diogenes 11 foote', of which the present piece is probably a member. Hung at Newmarket Palace until its demolition in 1855. Lent by Queen Victoria to the South Kensington Museum on 1858 and then sent to Palace of Holyroodhouse in 1882.
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Creator(s)
(tapestry manufacturer)(nationality)Acquirer(s)
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Medium and techniques
Woven silk and wool tapestry
Measurements
309.0 x 184.0 cm (whole object)
Category
Object type(s)
Alternative title(s)
The Life of Diogenes
