1997
Heraldic Linen Damasks
Three Centuries of Woven Stories



Napkin for the wedding of Louis XIV and Maria Theresia Austriaca

In 1660, Louis XIV married the Spanish infanta, Maria Theresia.
Dated 1661.
Inv. No. 4537 b



Napkin for Queen Elizabeth I

This damask shows Queen Elizabeth I of England with her coat of arms and the Tudor rose. Inscriptions "QVENE ELIZABETH” and "GOD SAVE THE QVENE”.
Late 16th century.
Inv. No. 4534a



Napkin for Mauritz of Orange-Nassau

The coat of arms of the Prince and those of eight of his forebears and the North Netherlands provinces reflect the confidence of a line of rulers. Dated 1601.
Inv. No. 3231



Abraham and the Sacrifice of Isaac

In the 16th and 17th century, biblical scenes were particularly popular on linen damask, as in this napkin combined with coats of arms in the four corners. Haarlem, 1663.
Inv. No. 3856
Napkin for the Princess Royal, Widow of William II of Orange Nassau

In 1660, the Burgomaster of Haarlem invited the Princess Royal for a visit and ordered table linen to be woven for her. The serviette illustrated here is one of a further set woven three years later with additional coats of arms of Burgomaster Matheus Steyn and his wife.
Inv. No. 4314




Winter pleasures on the ice

Wealthy clients, like Douwe van Aylva and Lucia van Meckema, arranged for their coats of arms to be shown on several linen damask sets with different representations. Haarlem, 1662. Inv. No. 3846


Archduke Leopold Wilhelm of Habsburg

Knightly portraits were popular testimonies to victorious warriors. Archduke Leopold Wilhelm was Stattholder of the Southern Netherlands from 1647 to 1657. Kortrijk, 1655.
Inv. No. 3924