PEEMANS, Gerard

(b. ~1625 Brussel, d. ~1710 Brussel)

Flemish tapestry weaver, active in Brussels from 1660 to c. 1710. He was the son-in-law of the weaver Geraert van der Streecken (died 1677). At the time he acquired a privilege in 1665 he had six looms working. In the period 1703-07 there were still four. He repeatedly collaborated with Willem van Leefdael (1632-1688), for instance for the sets of the Acts of the Apostles (Museo Arqueologico, Madrid), Caesar and Cleopatra after Justus van Egmont (Chicago), Titus and Vespasian after Charles Poerson (1609-1667). He produced most of the editions of Zenobia after Justus van Egmont (Brussels; Madrid; Lucca, Palazzo Mansi), also Alexander after Charles Le Brun (Würzburg), Months after David III Teniers (1638-1685) (Vienna).

Story of Caesar and Cleopatra

The tapestry series Story of Caesar and Cleopatra were woven at the workshops of Gerard Peemans and Willem van Leefdael in Brussels. The present tapestry from the series depicts Caesar Embarks by Boat to Join His Army. It shows a moment during the Egyptian Civil war. Following a failed attempt upon their lives, Caesar and Cleopatra find themselves besieged by opposing Egyptian armies. Here boatman strain to convey a laurel-crowned Caesar to join his army. The water birds in the sky and the reeds at right convey the setting of the Nile.

The tapestry, made after a design by Justus van Egmont, displays all the characteristics of the Flemish High Baroque: monumental figures, dramatic gestures, expressive faces, and minimal backgrounds. The story of Cleopatra and Julius Caesar was a popular subject for tapestry by the time these works were woven in the 17th century.

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Story of Caesar and Cleopatra

The tapestry series Story of Caesar and Cleopatra was woven at the workshop of Gerard Peemans in Brussels. The present tapestry from the series depicts The Triumph of Caesar.

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