Arkivism
Tablecloth with thistles, unicorns, and parrots
Public domain

Tablecloth with thistles, unicorns, and parrots

anonymous · c. 1590 - c. 1610 · satijnbinding; damask; linen (material)

From the collection of Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam. Free to download, adapt and use — no permission needed.

About this work

Tablecloth with unicorns, birds, and thistles. The central field features a symmetrical pattern in which, from bottom to top, three scenes in horizontal oval fields are repeated three times across the width. The first scene is framed by a pointed oval band containing branches and birds, with a symmetrical inner design of a trunk with lanceolate leaves and candlestick-like swirled side arms, to which thistles with two turned-away birds are attached. In the corners are pomegranates and carnations in a wreath. The second scene is framed by laurel, with a symmetrical inner design of a fountain built from masks with two turned-toward unicorns and two birds above. The third scene is framed by a broad checkered band with a knot on the left and right containing a rosette. The symmetrical inner design consists of a stem with swirled lanceolate leaves, three palmette flowers, and two turned-away parakeets with turned heads.

Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam’s own description
Subjects
tablecloth
Credit lineTafellaken met distels, eenhoorns en parkieten. c. 1590 - c. 1610. anonymous. Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam. Public domain.

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