120 DERBYSHIRE TAPESTRY. 



Belvoir, and here also were eleven more hangings of the History 

 of the Apostles made at Mortlake. 



The representation of the Conversion of S. Paul is a truly 

 beautiful work of art. In the centre is the prostrate Apostle, his 

 right arm doubled under his body ; the horse has stumbled on 

 its knees, and the bridle reins hang over its head. A ray of light 

 flashes from an opening in the clouds on the right, falling on the 

 closed eyes of the Apostle, whose pallid face is expressive of 

 intense anguish. Close by is a dog, much startled, but defiant at 

 the ray. Two figures in the foreground manifest much interest 

 in the condition of Saul, and seem anxious to render assistance. 

 Another, on the extreme right, is drawing his sword, whilst before 

 him is a soldier, stooping, half stupefied by the flash, his helmet 

 and plume lying on the ground. Here also is a prostrate soldier, 

 scymeter in hand, with his eyes bent on the mysterious light. 



The treatment of the whole is of singular beauty and power, 

 the drawing is excellent, and the colouring fairly fresh. The 

 clouds are of a thundery indigo tint, varied in places with a rainy 

 brown tinge. The lights seem to have been a pale yellow — 

 (perhaps of silk). All the figures wear the calceus, a kind of high 

 topped boot reaching mid-calf, with toes protruding. The border 

 is very beautifully designed of fruits, flowers, cherubs, and birds — 

 probably the conception of Vandyke.* No maker's mark visible. 

 No. 2. — Scene from the History of Alexander. Hanging 

 apparently perfect, and nearly square. 



Principal figure — A monarch on a throne, within a tent, 

 giving audience to a dismounted horseman of high dis- 

 tinction. The king wears an orle of red and yellow, a 

 cuirass of steel on his body, partly covered by a red 

 mantle secured on the right shoulder. Sceptre in his 

 right hand. 

 The messenger wears his eagle-crested helmet surmounted by 

 a plume of feathers of red, white, and blue. From his shoulders 

 depends a mantle of gold, embroidered with flowers of blue. 



* Miintz, " Tapeslry," p. 299. 



