Spanish tapestry, 19th century – early 20th century.

SPANISH-MADE TAPESTRY, late 19th century – early 20th century
“The New World”
Measurements: 272 x 200 cm.

A monumental tapestry with a historical and allegorical theme dedicated to the Spanish presence in the Americas. The composition centers on a large three-masted ship, depicted off a coastline of lush vegetation. In the background, other vessels can be seen on the horizon, adding spatial depth to the scene and reinforcing its maritime and overseas character.

In the foreground stands a religious figure, likely a Franciscan, accompanied by several smaller figures. These figures can be interpreted as members of a lineage or individuals connected to the commission of the work. The difference in size thus reflects a principle of representational hierarchy, inherited from the medieval and early modern traditions, whereby scale indicates each figure’s position within the narrative.
Their presence alongside the religious figure could allude to the commissioning family’s involvement in the administration, colonization, or evangelization of the American territories. The lack of inscriptions, individual attributes, or identifiable portraits, however, prevents us from assigning them a specific identity.

The central scene is framed by a rich ornamental border composed of medallions featuring effigies of historical figures, winged figures, cherubs, and sea creatures, set among garlands, scrollwork, and floral motifs.
Presiding over the center of the upper border is a coat of arms surmounted by an open crown. The blazon is divided into a table-shaped field: in the upper fields, gules, two golden castles; in the lower field, a silver field with a rampant lion depicted in reddish tones. This composition corresponds to the coat of arms traditionally associated with the Enríquez lineage. Its prominent position suggests that the tapestry is a work of a dynastic or commemorative nature, possibly commissioned by a branch of this family connected to the territories of the New World.
This piece is part of the historicist revival of Spain’s imperial past, which reached a peak around the celebrations of the 400th anniversary of Columbus’s arrival in the Americas in 1892. The historical exhibitions organized at that time helped popularize themes related to Columbus and the Americas.