Tapestry, Grass juice - Textiles - Second half 19th century

Magnificent tapestry painted with grass juice (1. 75 x 1. 25 cm) , dating back to the mid-1800s, depicting Venetian Nobles on horseback, surrounded by nature. The perspective effect of the refreshments temple behind the noblemen on horseback with servant is unique and rare for the times. The tapestry was found in a Palladian Villa on Brenta River. It features a not better identified heraldic crest at the 4 corners, but surely related to one of the Venetian patrician families. The grass juice technique is a rarity in its nature. It spread between 1600 and 1700 to paint fabric tapestries in the exclusive patrician residences, using plant based colours to saturate the canvas without glue and plaster preparations. No binders were used for pigments, just alum, for a unique and inimitable result.