This tapestry is a fine example of a classical Verdure Tapestry, such as those woven in Flanders in the 17th Century. This particular piece is attributed to the weaving workshops at Grammont in Flanders, and was probably woven around 1550. Many Verdure (or Greenery) Tapestries were woven throughout the 16th to 18th Centuries, with designs based on plant forms reflecting the interest in botanical themes during this period, in such places as in Flanders as well as Brussels, Beauvais and Aubusson, important weaving centres patronised by the aristocracy. A new style of tapestries called Verdures a grandes feuilles (greeneries with large leaves) emerged from this region of Flanders in the 16th Century. This new style featured a liberal interpretation of acanthus leaves and aristolochia leaves, often with birds or animals and fruit and floral decoration. The original tapestry may be seen at the Kunsthistorisches Museum in Vienna, Austria. This beautiful tapestry is Silkscreened (also known as serigraphed) onto an irregularly woven fabric made from wool, cotton or linen. Considerable labour is required with this process including hand-painting to finish the details. Silk screen tapestries appear antiqued and aged giving them the look and feel of tapestries that hang in museums today. 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: Silk Screened Finish on reverse: This tapestry is fully backed with luxury cotton lining incorporating a sleeve along the top for hanging purposes.