The Virgin and Saint John c. 1520

This tapestry, titled "The Virgin and Saint John", resides in the Minneapolis Institute of Art, its creator lost to time. Observe the tactile quality achieved through the weaving. Notice how the artist uses vertical lines to give form to the figures' robes, creating a sense of depth and movement. The figures are arranged asymmetrically, adding to the emotional depth of the piece, with The Virgin in a posture of grief. The color palette, dominated by blues, reds, and earth tones, adds to the somber mood. The tapestry is a web of signs and symbols reflecting the cultural codes of its era. The halo indicates divinity, while the posture and dress convey religious meaning. Yet, it also invites questioning, destabilizing fixed meanings. The formal elements – color, composition, and texture – work together to create an emotional and intellectual experience.