Melchior II

Superb in composition and color, this medieval tapestry “Melchior II” shows a detail from a portrait of John VIII Palaiologos, who was the Byzantine Emperor from 1425 – 1447 in Constantinople. From the artwork of Italian Renaissance painter Benozzo Gozzoli (1421 – 1497), this is the most famous portrait of the King who was depicted by the famous Renaissance artists on his visit to Italy. The related work “Melchior I” shows the entire scene. Here we see the sumptuous details that makes this scene almost illuminates from the background, especially with the white horse and the sand he is walking on, as the King and his collection of young noblemen, of which we see one in this section, accompanies him. In the background is the castle and the surrounding gardens and forests. There is a prominent bush grove in the midground as well. Dressed in full regalia, this party of royalty epitomized royal life in medieval times. This medieval wall art tapestry “Melchior I” is backed with a lining and has a tunnel for easy hanging.