The Pastrana Tapestries

These four tapestries were woven in 1475 to 1500 to commemorate conquest of two cities in North Africa, Asilah and Tangier, by King Afonso V of Portugal. The were made in the the Tournai workshops in modern Belgium. They have recently been restored, and are now touring North America. Above, the Siege of Asilah. Nice article on the tapestries here.

Details from the Siege of Asilah.

The Assault on Tangier.

 

 

 

Other Details. The weaving of tapestries was a major art in the Renaissance, in fact down to the nineteenth century, since they were essential for warming up the grim stone rooms of the castles where so many European nobles lived.