The 8th Missing Tapestry
Stepping in to the World of The Nassaus of Breda and the mystery of the 8th tapestry. In 1520 Henry III commissioned 8 tapestries glorifying his ancestors in the house of Orange-Nassau, depicting key family members, their accomplishments, their estate and wealth. The cartoons for each tapestry were drawn by renowned artist Bernard Van Orley. The tapestries were hung in the castle of Breda, the residence of Henry III, but all got lost in a fire, remade, then lost again. All that is left today is 7 out of the 8 cartoons from the original tapestries.
300 years later, Studio Body Building was commissioned to design the missing link, completing the story in a modern interpretation. The 8th Missing Tapestry replicates the layout of the original tapestries, with Henry III in the centre, surrounded by landscapes, and an ornamental border.Using these references the story is told through a modern lense, accentuated by the photorealistic jacquard weaving.
Each side tell the told and the untold story of the wealth accumulation of the affluent family, prompting reflection on whom the work ultimately commemorates. Revealing the side historically seen only by the craftsmen, allows for the dual narrative to coexist.
Personal explorations: Who are we paying tribute to today?
The Iphone glitch resembling woven floats
Presentation of the Tapestry, Kasteel van Breda
images by Maja Bay
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