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The Lamentation

ca. 1490–1505
Not on view
The long horizontal format of this tapestry suggests that it was originally conceived for a church altar. It presents Jesus’ followers gathered around his body, a subject especially appropriate for an altar. The figures – men and women, old and young – are remarkable for their individuality. They press closely against the picture plane. Mary cradles her son gently in her arms, while John the Evangelist, the young man with golden locks behind Jesus, reaches up to touch her forehead, trying to comfort her. Mary Magdalene, grieving over the body, clasps her hands together as she kneels by Jesus’ feet. The colors throughout this tapestry, which range from pastel to intense tones, are still rich and bright.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: The Lamentation
  • Date: ca. 1490–1505
  • Culture: South Netherlandish
  • Medium: Wool warp, wool, silk, and gilt wefts
  • Dimensions: Overall: 44 x 81 1/4in. (111.8 x 206.4cm)
    Framed: 47 1/2 x 86 x 3 1/2 in. (120.7 x 218.4 x 8.9 cm)
  • Classification: Textiles-Tapestries
  • Credit Line: Gift of George Blumenthal, 1941
  • Object Number: 41.100.215
  • Curatorial Department: Medieval Art and The Cloisters

More Artwork

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Mourning Woman, Walnut, polychromy and gilding, South Netherlandish
Mourning Woman
South Netherlandish
ca. 1480
Courtiers in a Rose Garden: A Lady and Two Gentlemen, Wool warp; wool, silk, metallic weft yarns, South Netherlandish
Courtiers in a Rose Garden: A Lady and Two Gentlemen
South Netherlandish
ca. 1440–50
Tapestry with the Annunciation, Wool warp, wool with a few metallic wefts, South Netherlandish
Tapestry with the Annunciation
South Netherlandish
ca. 1410–20
Hunting of Birds with a Hawk and a Bow (from the Hunting Parks Tapestries), Wool and silk thread, South Netherlandish
Hunting of Birds with a Hawk and a Bow (from the Hunting Parks Tapestries)
South Netherlandish
ca. 1515–35
Woodcutters Working at a Deer Park (from the Hunting Parks Tapestries), Wool and silk thread, South Netherlandish
Woodcutters Working at a Deer Park (from the Hunting Parks Tapestries)
South Netherlandish
ca. 1515–35

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