Tapestry (Bear Hunt and Falconry from a Hunts Series)

c. 1525

Wool and silk; slit and single and double dovetailed tapestry weave. Warp: Count: 5–6 warps per cm; wool: S-ply of two Z-spun elements; diameter: 1.0 mm Weft: Count: varies from 16 to 24 wefts per cm; wool: S-ply of- two Z-spun elements; pairs of S-ply of two Z-spun elements; diameters: 0.3–1.5 mm; silk: three yarns of S-ply of two Z-twisted elements; diameters: 0.4–0.6 mm

259.8 × 337.5 cm (102.3 × 132.9 in)

SEE IT IN PERSON

Not currently on view

In the collection of Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago · as of July 2026

View at artic.edu ↗Plan a visit ↗

Discussion

FROM THE ART INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO’S CATALOG

This scene, the center section of a larger tapestry, depicts the dramatic pursuit of a bear, with falconers conducting a much tamer hunt in the background. Enthusiasm for hunting was widespread among the European aristocracy, and this popular pastime was a common subject for late medieval tapestries. Hunting was not simply a diversion for the privileged, but was also fundamental to the education of a nobleman, testing his intellectual and physical prowess. Hunts, which often took place over several days, were social occasion for both men and women. The women were often spectators, as this tapestry shows.

Source ↗

Be the first to share your thoughts.

Community guidelines