A unique collaboration between institutions brings a 1530 tapestry back to Brussels
Starting from November 29, you can admire a tapestry dating back to 1530 at the Museum of the City of Brussels - Maison du Roi. This magnificent work depicts a scene in which King Solomon invites his mother Bathsheba to share the throne. The City of Brussels, the King Baudouin Foundation, the Fondation Périer-D’Ieteren, and the non-profit organisation De Wit have gathered the necessary financial means to preserve this remarkable work in Belgium. Now exhibited at the Museum of the City of Brussels - Maison du Roi, the tapestry is accessible to the public, allowing as many people as possible to enjoy it.
The work not only showcases Brussels' craftsmanship but also highlights the importance of tapestry production in the city's development. This exceptional piece, in a remarkable state of preservation, stands out for its beautifully preserved colors, intact borders, and original marks, illustrating the rich production of Brussels.
This tapestry is part of a series of tapestries, now dispersed, composed of six scenes from the life of Bathsheba. The first three pieces tell the story of David and his wife Bathsheba, while the last three depict that of Solomon and his mother Bathsheba. It is rare to see the life of Bathsheba combined with those of David and Solomon in the same series of tapestries. No other similar series is known to date. This exceptional tapestry, which adorned the walls of the House of Lords in London, belonged to Lord Rochdale.
Thanks to several patrons and partners (the City of Brussels, the King Baudouin Foundation, the Fondation Périer-D’Ieteren, and the non-profit organisation De Wit), the work has been able to return to Belgium. It will now be preserved and exhibited at the Museum of the City of Brussels - Maison du Roi, where it will testify to the excellence of Brussels' production, highly praised by European courts and collectors. The tapestry of Solomon and Bathsheba thus returns to the neighborhood where it was conceived in nearly 500 years ago, offering everyone the opportunity to admire it. It will be shown for two years, after which, for preventive conservation reasons, it will be put in reserve before being exhibited again.
A tailor-made philanthropic solution
The acquisition of the tapestry at the TEFAF 2024 art fair in Maastricht was made possible thanks to the commitment of several partners, but also thanks to a tailor-made philanthropic solution initiated by the King Baudouin Foundation. This approach made it possible to gather the necessary financial means to finalise the acquisition of the work.
The Philanthropy Center of the King Baudouin Foundation helps individuals, companies, and institutions to realise their philanthropic initiatives. Many projects have already been realised, ranging from the preservation of an art collection, to the sustainable conservation of natural and architectural heritage, to the improvement of health and living conditions of elderly people through art and culture, and support for original projects of talented young musicians, both in Belgium, Europe, and internationally.
About the ‘Heritage and Culture’ program of the King Baudouin Foundation
For more than 35 years, the King Baudouin Foundation has played a key role in the safeguarding and protection of Belgium's artistic and cultural heritage. Thanks to the generosity of patrons and the action of several patronage funds, the Foundation has been able to build a valuable collection of more than 27,000 works and 27 archive funds, entrusted to nearly 100 museums and institutions. www.kbs-frb.be; www.erfgoed-kbs.be
About the Museum of the City of Brussels - Maison du Roi
Located on the most beautiful square in the world, in a true architectural jewel, the Museum of the City tells the story of Brussels through its great diversity of works. The museum highlights Brussels' productions that have made the city's reputation, notably tapestries. Solomon and Bathsheba thus judiciously complete the collections. www.brusselscitymuseum.brussels
About the Fondation Périer-D'Ieteren
Founded in 2017, the Fondation Périer-D'Ieteren supports research, study, and conservation-restoration projects that reveal and highlight the richness of European heritage, mainly from the 15th to the 18th century. It actively promotes the knowledge and preservation of this historical heritage through conferences, study days, seminars, and Belgian and European cultural partnerships. www.perier-dieteren.org
About the non-profit organisation De Wit
The non-profit organisation De Wit was created to promote the art of tapestry. To this end, it organises guided tours of the Royal Tapestry Manufacture De Wit, established in the Refuge of the Tongerlo Abbey in Mechelen, as well as exhibitions, conferences, and colloquiums. It also supports publications and research in the field as well as the acquisition of tapestries by museums. www.dewit.be
More info
- Technical information
‘King Solomon invites his mother Bathsheba to share the throne’, Brussels, around 1530 Wool and silk, 273 x 336 cm Coll. King Baudouin Foundation, acquired in 2024 with the support of the City of Brussels, the Fondation Périer-D’Ieteren, and the non-profit organisation De Wit. Museum of the City of Brussels - Maison du Roi
Caption : Coll. King Baudouin Foundation, acquired with the support of the City of Brussels, the Fondation Périer-D'Ieteren and the non-profit organisation De Wit. Museum of the City of Brussels - Maison du Roi