Tapestry with Armorial Bearings and Badges of John, Lord Dynham

Unknown

ca. 1488–1501 · Wool warp; wool wefts with a few silk wefts · The Cloisters

John, Lord Dynham was a naval commander under five kings and treasurer of England from 1486 to 1501. The inscription around the garter is the motto of the Order of the Garter, to which Lord Dynham was appointed in 1487. The tapestry was probably woven to commemorate this event. The supporters in the form of stags -- or harts -- refer to Lord Dynham's family seat, Hartland. The repeated device of the topcastle of a warship with javelins leaning against the railing and swallow-tailed pennants flying above refers to Lord Dynham's distinguished naval career.

Artist

Unknown

Date

ca. 1488–1501

Medium

Wool warp; wool wefts with a few silk wefts

Culture

South Netherlandish

Department

The Cloisters

Credit line

The Cloisters Collection, 1960