Renaissance Rugs

Carpets of middle eastern origin were used as decorative features in Western European paintings. These date from the 14th century onward. Depictions of oriental carpets in Renaissance painting survived more than the actual carpets themselves.

These carpets were often in the background for saints and religious scenes. They were considered rare and precious, woven for grand estates and large churches (present day mosques).

Holbien carpets are a type named after Hans Holbien the Younger(1497-1543), a European Renaissance portrait painter. Holbien carpets are Anatolian carpets from the mid 15th century. These are geometric in pattern with octagonal motifs including crosses and diamonds. They often reflect a Byzantine influence.

Madonna with St. John the Baptist
Verrocchio
C.1475-1483

Mass of Saint Giles
c.1500

The Ambassadors
Hans Holbien
C.1533