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Tapestry in the Baroque: Threads of Splendor
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Surprise Attack on Calais (detail)
First panel of a seven-piece set of the Battles of the Archduke Albert
Design by Otto van Veen, 1597; cartoons painted by Jan Snellinck the Elder, 1597–99
Woven in the workshop of Maarten Reymbouts II, Brussels, 1597–99
Silk, wool, and silver and gilt-metal wrapped thread; 11 ft. 7 3/4 in. x 19 ft. 9 1/2 in. (355 x 603 cm)
Weaver's mark of Maarten Reymbouts II at bottom of right selvage
Patrimonio Nacional, Palacio Real, Madrid (TA-46/1 10005712)
See an image of the entire panel.
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The capture of Calais from the French was Archduke Albert's first military campaign after he became governor. It was a significant victory because the city was strategically placed at the narrowest point of the English Channel. The town surrendered to Albert's troops after a surprise attack on April 17, 1596, and eight days later the castle was taken. The figure urging the Spanish troops forward in the foreground may be Don Luis de Velasco, count of Salazar, who led the initial assault. If that is the case, the archduke might be identified as the red-suited commander observing the action from the left middle distance.
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