Detail View: The AMICA Library: The Colossus of Rhodes

AMICA ID: 
MIA_.48.13.9
AMICA Library Year: 
1998
Object Type: 
Textiles
Creator Name: 
Caron, Antoine
Creator Nationality: 
European; French
Creator Role: 
central design
Creator Dates/Places: 
1521 - 1599
Gender: 
M
Creator Death Place: 
Paris
Creator Name-CRT: 
Antoine Caron
Creator Name: 
Lerambert, Henry
Creator Nationality: 
European; French
Creator Role: 
border design and central cartoon
Gender: 
M
Creator Name-CRT: 
attributed to Henry Lerambert
Title: 
The Colossus of Rhodes
View: 
Front
Creation Date: 
1611 - 1627
Creation Start Date: 
1611
Creation End Date: 
1627
Materials and Techniques: 
silk, wool, gold, silver
Classification Term: 
tapestries
Dimensions: 
H.186-3/4 x W.264 in., irregular
Component Measured: 
overall
Measurement Unit: 
in
AMICA Contributor: 
The Minneapolis Institute of Arts
Owner Location: 
Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
ID Number: 
48.13.9
Credit Line: 
The Ethel Morrison Van Derlip Fund
Inscriptions: 
MARKS
Rights: 
Context: 

Dominating this scene is the Colossus of Rhodes, one of the Seven Wonders of the ancient world. He watches as the widowed Greek queen, Artemisia, in the central boat, directs the capture of the city. The principle that a queen as well as a king could not only protect a kingdom but also initiate military actions was a concept that was useful to reinforce the personal power of several regent queens of France during the 16th and 17th centuries.

The reference to important historic personages or events incorporated into tapestry images frequently gives power by association to the people who own these large, impressive hangings.

From the Stories of Queen Artemisia series.

Related Image Identifier Link: 
MIA_.2131c.tif