Two Scenes from "Der Busant" (The Buzzard)

Unknown

1480–90 · Linen warp; wool, silk, linen, cotton, and metallic wefts · The Cloisters

Rücklaken were intended to be hung around the walls of domestic interiors. In this narrative tapestry, two scenes from the late medieval poem, "The Buzzard," are illustrated. The prince of England is depicted as a wildman, and the princess of France meets a miller who offers her refuge. The middle high German inscription alludes to the princess seeking refuge, whereupon the man replies: "Willingly, though as a poor man I can offer you nothing." The scenes are related to other fragments housed in museums in Cologne, London, and Paris.

Artist

Unknown

Date

1480–90

Medium

Linen warp; wool, silk, linen, cotton, and metallic wefts

Culture

Upper Rhenish

Department

The Cloisters

Credit line

Gift of Murtogh D. Guinness, 1985