Palatial Scenes from the "Verdure" Tapestry Series
Discover six tapestries woven in the workshops of Oudenaarde in Belgium
ReadSanta Catalina room (1530) by Juan Gil de HontañónThe Cathedral of Segovia
In the Santa Catalina exhibition hall of Segovia Cathedral, the «Verdure» series is on display, consisting of six tapestries woven in the workshops of Oudenaarde (Belgium) around 1722.
Ride in a felucca (Around 1722) by Audenarde Workshops, BelgiumThe Cathedral of Segovia
The series takes its name from the lushness of the trees and vegetation, which occupy almost the entire space.
It depicts palatial scenes featuring women.
These scenes take place in outdoor settings with a carefully maintained, geometrically designed garden.
The Encounter
The scene of the tapestry unfolds in a garden. In the upper left corner there are large leafy trees with flowers. At mid-height, among the dense treetops, a woman can be seen with a dog in her lap. Another woman is also depicted, advancing on foot.
Mercury Surprising the Ladies
The scene takes place in a garden, where a fountain with a spout stands out, formed by two intertwined snakes in the shape of a caduceus, the symbol of Mercury. Behind the fountain, a man—possibly the Roman god of commerce—surprises two women with their garments in motion.
Walking
The scene is framed by a lush tree and plants that partially obscure the façade of a palace with a large staircase, flanked by two urns serving as bases for small Japanese trees. A woman can be seen in the scene, and in front there is a fountain with spouts shaped like two children.
The washing of the feet
In the foreground, a woman is seated with her feet in a metal basin, surrounded by jars of ointments and perfumes. Beside her are two women; one of them is kneeling, trying to catch a dog. In the large central fountain, composed of three basins, stands a statue of a woman.
The Concert
In the lush garden, on the right, there is a group of four women playing musical instruments, a gentleman in the center, and a maid serving. In the background, the portico of a small palace can be seen, along with a balustrade and a dragon-shaped fountain, and a secondary plane with another garden.
Ride in a falua
At the lower part of the tapestry, large-leaved plants open onto a canal divided into two branches. On the left, a fountain with spouts shaped like fish with intertwined tails, supporting a basin topped by a spout, pours water into the canal. Behind it, lush trees rise.
Promoted by: Chapter of Segovia Cathedral
Direction and texts: Adolfo Rubio Pascual-Muerte
Images: Segovia Cathedral
