Soliman

One of a series of eight tapestries chronicling the Mongol Tamerlane’s defeat of the Ottoman Sultan Bayezid, the original tapestry was woven in the 17th century. It is still on display at the Kunsthistorisches Museum in Vienna. Except for Alexander the Great, Tamerlane conquered more civilizations and territories than any other warrior. His empire stretched from Delhi to Moscow and he was the last of the great leaders of the nomads. “Soliman” is filled with wonderful detail, from the stately lions that anchor the lower corners to the exotic parrots and other symbolic icons of the time when sultans and warlords vied for control of Eurasia. This tapestry is lined and has a tunnel for easy hanging.