Page:Hutton, William Holden - Hampton Court (1897).djvu/247

Rh Mortlake. In 1625 Charles owed £6000 for three suits of gold tapestry made for him, and the whole of the arras and tapestry hangings of the royal palace fetched ,£30,000 when they were bought for Cromwell.

Of all the tapestry of the sixteenth century that still remains in England, the "History of Abraham" is incomparably the most rich and the most beautiful. Each subject is enclosed in an elaborate border, in which the ideas of the story are introduced, and set in a fine canopy and scroll-work.

The first subject represents the departure of Abraham from his country, the farewells of his servants, while he kneels in prayer to God, Who from a cloud bids him go forth. The second contains the birth and circumcision of Isaac and the expulsion of Hagar. In the third, Eliezer is swearing to find a wife for Isaac from his father's kindred, and costly stuffs are being packed for him in quaint boxes, while the camels wait without. In the fourth, Sarah is restored by Pharaoh with rich gifts. The fifth (which, again, is earlier than the second and third) shows the Three Men promising Abraham a son. In the sixth Abraham buys the field of Ephron. In the seventh Lot and Abraham separate, dividing the land; and in the last Abraham prepares to sacrifice Isaac.

These magnificent pieces of tapestry are remarkable alike for the clearness and boldness of the designs, and