Narcissus Gazing at his Reflection

Artists

Description

Tapestry fragment with a mythological scene depicting Narcissus gazing at his reflection. This tapestry, possibly a door hanging, was originally part of a larger series representing stories from Ovid's Metamorphoses. It represents Narcissus gazing at his reflection (Met. 3:339-510). The composition is closely related Virgil Solis's woodcut illustration, which appeared in the Metamorphoses Ovidii of 1563 (Frankfurt: Feyerabend). Solis's woodcuts were frequently reused in later editions and served as an important source for artists working in other media, including Peter Paul Rubens. The limited palette and the landscape features suggest that the tapestry was produced in Oudenaarde. Based on the figure types, the tapestry can be dated to the second half of the 17th century. The top and bottom border consist of flower garlands and a cartouche containing a landscape view. The left and right sides show a narrow ornamental design.

Dimensions

292.1 x 136.53 cm (115 x 53 3/4 in.)

Provenance

Abbott Lawrence Lowell, bequst; to Fogg Art Museum, 1959