Rare tapestries make stop at Meadows Museum
A set of four recently restored 15th-century tapestries are now on view at the Meadows Museum at Southern Methodist University.
By Stephen Becker
Art & Seek
The four massive pieces are known collectively as the Pastrana tapestries. Each is about 30 feet wide by 15 feet tall. They tell the story of Portuguese King Afonso V’s battle in northern Africa in 1471. The victory gave his country control of the Strait of Gibralter.
The tapestries made in Belgium and after heralding the king’s accomplishment in Portugal, they eventually found a home in a Spanish church for most of the next 400 years. In 2008, it was decided that the tapestries could use a sprucing up. And so they underwent a two-year restoration.
“We have photos on display in the exhibition, and when you look at before and after photos, you can really see how splendidly the conservation work has been done, says Meadows Museum assistant curator Nicole Atzbach.
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