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Table carpet fragment

late 16th century
Not on view
Textiles were rarely used as floor coverings in the late sixteenth century, except by the wealthiest individuals, but "carpets" of pile weaves, tapestry weaves, or embroidery were often used to decorate tables. This fragment of a large table carpet displays strapwork motifs typical of other English sixteenth-century decorative arts such as wood carving and plaster decoration, and the ripe fruits, flowers, and vegetables are varieties that often appear on embroidered objects of the period. These include Tudor roses, pomegranates, pears, squash, honeysuckle, and grapes.

The somewhat awkward drawing of the armorials suggests that this was not the product of a professional workshop. The table carpet may have been an amateur or semi-professional production, perhaps made by servants and extended family members for use in their own home. However, this project was no small undertaking; when complete, the carpet might have measured as much as twelve to fifteen feet in length.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Table carpet fragment
  • Date: late 16th century
  • Culture: British
  • Medium: Canvas worked with wool and silk thread; tent stitch
  • Dimensions: L. 77 x W. 38 inches (195.6 x 96.5 cm)
  • Classification: Textiles-Embroidered
  • Credit Line: Gift of Irwin Untermyer, 1954
  • Object Number: 54.7.8
  • Curatorial Department: European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

More Artwork

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The Wayfarer Crowned by Happiness from The Table of Cebes, David Kandel German, Wool and silk on canvas (cross-stitch, 48-56 per sq. in., 9 per sq. cm.; tent stitch, 156-190 per sq. in., 30-36 per sq. cm.), French
The Wayfarer Crowned by Happiness from The Table of Cebes
David Kandel
1550–80
The Farnese Table, Jacopo [Giacomo] Barozzi da Vignola Italian, Marble of different colors, semiprecious stones, Egyptian alabaster, residue of paint of different colors on the piers, Italian, Rome
The Farnese Table
Multiple artists/makers
ca. 1565–73
Cassone with painted front panel depicting the Conquest of Trebizond, Apollonio di Giovanni di Tomaso Italian, Poplar wood, linen, polychromed and gilded gesso with panel painted in tempera and gold, Italian, Florence
Cassone with painted front panel depicting the Conquest of Trebizond
Apollonio di Giovanni di Tomaso
Marco del Buono Giamberti
after ca. 1461
Chair (Sgabello), Workshop of Giuliano da Maiano (1432–1490) and Benedetto da Maiano (1442–1497), Walnut, maple, ebony; ebonized wood, and fruitwood; traces of gilding and red paint, Italian, Florence
Chair (Sgabello)
Workshop of Giuliano da Maiano (1432–1490) and Benedetto da Maiano (1442–1497)
ca. 1489–91
Livery cupboard, Oak and walnut, inlaid with sycamore and holly, British
Livery cupboard
British
ca. 1585

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