Two Scenes from "Der Busant" (The Buzzard)
Rücklaken were intended to be hung around the walls of domestic interiors. In this narrative tapestry, two scenes from the late medieval poem, "The Buzzard," are illustrated. The prince of England is depicted as a wildman, and the princess of France meets a miller who offers her refuge. The middle high German inscription alludes to the princess seeking refuge, whereupon the man replies: "Willingly, though as a poor man I can offer you nothing." The scenes are related to other fragments housed in museums in Cologne, London, and Paris.
Artwork Details
- Title: Two Scenes from "Der Busant" (The Buzzard)
- Date: 1480–90
- Geography: Made in Strasbourg, Alsace, present-day France
- Culture: Upper Rhenish
- Medium: Linen wrap; wool, silk, and metallic wefts
- Dimensions: 32 × 46 in. (81.3 × 116.8 cm)
- Classification: Textiles-Tapestries
- Credit Line: Gift of Murtogh D. Guinness, 1985
- Object Number: 1985.358
- Curatorial Department: Medieval Art and The Cloisters
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