The Beheading of Saint Paul
1600-1625
Medium
Decorative Arts-Fiber
Classification
Decorative Arts-Fiber
Department
Smithsonian Collection
Museum
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Credit
Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Mrs. Philip Coffin
Accession Number
1961.5.7
Tags
Art Historical Context
In the early 17th century, artisans crafted exquisite fiber works like *The Beheading of Saint*, a vivid tapestry from around 1600-1625 now housed in the Smithsonian American Art Museum.ributed to an unidentified Flemish master, this piece falls within the golden age of Northern European decorative arts, when workshops in cities like Brussels produced monumental textiles that brought biblical dramas to life. Woven with intricate threads, it captures the martyrdom of Saint Paul in ancient Rome, where Roman soldiers execute the apostle by beheading—a pivotal moment symbolizing faith's triumph ov...