Mid- 16th century

Verdure Tapestry with Giant Leaves

Artist/maker unknown

Verdure tapestry, also called Garden Tapestry, was popular during the sixteenth century, especially among Europe’s royalty and nobility. Characterized by dense green foliage, exotic flowers, birds, animals and fruit, verdure tapestries are among the earliest depictions of the forests and jungles of the New World.

This tapestry incorporates a semi-circular balustrade overtaken by massive, twisting, dentate leaves, flowering stems, small animals and exotic birds and fruit. The two central animals are holding shields.