This tapestry is from the series called Tenture de la vie aux champs (tapestry of life in the country) originally woven around 1520 at the Tournai workshops. This scene represents the transitional period between the mille-fleurs style of the Middle Ages and the landscapes of the Renaissance. In the Middle Ages, tapestries were almost exclusively commissioned by the nobility, yet they often featured scenes from everyday life including peasant activities. This tapestry depicts the harvesting of the grapes in a rustic vineyard, and the pressing and treading into wine. The woman at the front right is about to dip a flagon into the barrel of newly made wine, while the lady in the centre is about to sample the first of the vintage. The richly-dressed noble couple on the centre left are inspecting the labours of the peasants. This beautiful tapestry is woven on a jacquard loom by skilled weavers, keeping alive the centuries old tradition of tapestry manufacturing from generation to generation. This tapestry is fully lined incorporating a sleeve along the top for hanging with a Hines hanging rod. Alternatively, this tapestry can be hung with a wooden batten which is a concealed method of hanging. Composition: 55% cotton, 41% wool, 4% polyester Finish on reverse: This tapestry is fully backed with luxury cotton lining incorporating a sleeve along the top for hanging purposes.