Seven Scenes from the Story of the Seven Sacraments, Jacob Blessing Ephraim and Manasseh

Art Historical Context

This exquisite South Netherlandish tapestry, created around 1435–50, together seven scenes from the Story of the Seven Sacraments with a poignant central focus on the biblical moment of Jacob blessing his grandsons Ephraim and ManassehGenesis 48). Produced during the height of Flemish weaving mastery in medieval Europe, it exemplifies the opulent textiles favored by churches and nobility. Woven on a wool warp with vibrant wool and silk wefts the silk adds luminous highlights to figures like kings and saints, while motifs such as baptismal fonts underscore the sacraments' ritual importance—bapt...