‘Afsetters’ of tapestries
During conservation work of two tapestries from the Rijksmuseum collection, retouches were found in the faces and limbs of depicted figures and in outlines. This project investigates whether these retouches were applied by ‘afsetters’ of tapestries.
About the project
The Dutch word ‘afsetten’ is a craft related to tapestries that had been officially recognized by the guilds since the late Middle Ages. Among the activities of ‘afsetters’ were the application of borders to tapestries. Other tasks included the repairing and retouching of tapestries. Because it was a faster process than the application of new fabric, the retouching with paint of outlines and faces was used to revive faded colours. The choice in materials and colours for these paints was limited. The two tapestries from the Rijksmuseum collection on which paint and ink was found are ‘Niobe’s Pride’( François Spiering, 1610) and ‘Alexander and Jaddua’ (Karel van Mander II, 1617), both woven in Delft.
Aim of the project
The paint and ink that was found on the tapestries will be analysed. In addition, we will investigate whether comparable tapestries from other collections have similar retouches. By combining this information with a literature review, we hope to demonstrate that both François Spiering and Karel van Mander II used retouchings on tapestries. Moreover, we want to ascertain whether the retouching was done at the end of the making process or during a subsequent repair by ‘afsetters’. The role of ‘afsetters’ in the tapestry industry in the northern part of the Netherlands in the first half of the 17th century will also be studied more closely.
Employees
Mieke Albers
Senior Conservator Textiles
m.albers@rijksmuseum.nl
Publications
A publication with regards to this project is planned for the Rijksmuseum Bulletin in 2022.
Partners and sponsors
For this project we work together with the Dutch Cultural Heritage Agency.
