A magnificent microcosm where harmonious
nature and sumptuous art converge. Simply
gazing upon the lavish 16th-century tapestries
from the collection of Archbishop Antoine
Perrenot de Granvelle (1517–1586) fills one
with admiration and wonder. Their immense
scale, intricate craftsmanship and expressive
scenes exemplify the splendid Flemish tapes-
tries that adorned noble residences for centu-
ries. Serving as mobile frescoes, they depict a
glorious, eternal spring – a season seemingly
destined never to fade.
In this publication, experts unravel layer by
layer the form, function and symbolic mean-
ing of this series of tapestries, now housed at
the Kunsthistorisches Museum in Vienna and
temporarily displayed at Museum Hof van
Busleyden in Mechelen. They also explore
Granvelle's impressive art collection and his
role as a passionate garden enthusiast, influen-
tial collector and patron of the arts.
