Swords clash as soldiers battle across the plains of Pavia, just outside the Italian city’s walls. While the tale of the three-hour battle is short, the tapestries regaling its history will last a lifetime.
The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston presents “Knights in Shining Armor: The Pavia Tapestries” through May 26. The 1525 Battle of Pavia was the decisive victory between the kingdom of France and the Holy Roman Emperor, Charles V, as part of the Italian War.
Court artist Bernard van Orley created the seven tapestries on display from about 1528 to 1531, each one made from materials such as wool, silk, silver and gold. Each one is 28-feet wide and 14-feet high and took 18 months for each group, or about five years for the group. As tapestries are more expensive to make than paintings, they serve as tools not just for storytelling but also as an expression of wealth and political power.
The tapestries are an incredible depiction of the events of the battle and draw the viewer into the action. The battle was short and several scenes seem to be taking place simultaneously. It is as if we are surrounded by the action.
The tapestries are not hung chronologically, but architectural elements in the images lead the eye from one to the other, like detailed pictures in a storybook.
To aid the viewer in understanding the events of the battle, the exhibition features projected texts above the tapestries that narrate the action. It takes 13 minutes to read the captions and is well worth following the narrative. As the story progresses, projections illuminate parts of the panel to emphasize the action and characters in the narrative.
Each tapestry is incredibly detailed. Looking up close one sees the complexity of the construction with every stitch and seam visible. It is clear that each one was made with precision and care, down to the fashions of the people depicted — soldier and civilian alike — along with their facial expressions and physicality.
Statues of armor and medieval weapons are also featured, which gives viewers an idea of the war trends at the time. The armor shines in its grandeur, the swords are larger than one would assume, and the guns are ornately decorated.
The tapestries and the armor are on loan from the Museo e Real Bosco di Capodimonte in Naples, Italy, where they have hung together for 500 years.
“Knights in Shining Armor: The Pavia Tapestries” is a remarkable lesson in history, as well as a remarkable showcase of a unique form of art that is rarely seen in modern society. It is a must-see for art and history enthusiasts alike. Both the battle and the art of tapestry are underrated for their contributions to history.
“The Pavia Tapestries” is on display through May 26. For more information, visit mfah.org.