2 2 TAPESTRY AT RENISHAW HALL. 



guarding various fruits of the earth in her lap, and holding a 

 sceptre in her right hand. In the left background a beautiful 

 palace is shown, from which there is a long descent by richly 

 decorated stairs and fountains ; and on the other side extensive 

 gardens laid out in the style of Le Notre, with parterres, 

 fountains, avenues, and triumphal arches. The colours are 

 harmonious and subdued, and the high lights here, as throughout 

 the series, are woven in white silk. 



2. The Triumph of Justice. This sheet is suspended upon 

 the same wall, and measures i6 ft. 3 ins. by 11 ft. 10 ins. The 

 principal figure, impersonating Justice, stands upon a festooned 

 pedestal, and bears in her right hand an erect sword, and in 

 her left a pair of scales evenly balanced. The projecting and 

 circular base of the pedestal affords a seat for four female figures, 

 representing the cardinal virtues : Truth, with her mirror, trampling 

 upon a number of masks ; Fortitude, bearing a column in her 

 hands ; Temperance, holding out a bridle towards the figure 

 above ; the fourth figure is crowned with bay or laurel. On the 

 left, Wisdom, a female figure, seated upon a throne, holds the 

 lamp of knowledge in her left hand, whilst behind her an atten- 

 dant bears a sceptre surmounted by an eye refulgent with light. 

 In front of the throne lie clasped books and open manuscripts. 

 The background again gives a vast lay-out of fountained and 

 terraced gardens, and in the distance a lake or canal is faintly 

 seen. On the base sinister margin of this hanging (as is also 

 the case with those in the Ball Room) the maker's name and the 

 mark of the Brussels manufactory are shown. 



3. The Triumph of Commerce. This sheet hangs over the 

 mantel-piece."' It is the brightest and lightest of the series, but 

 has, unfortunately, been cut at the lower margin in order to 

 adapt it to its position. In tlie centre a female figure, her 

 robe floating lightly on the breeze, advances from a large vessel 

 moored near the shore ; an arrow is in her right hand, and by 

 her side a crocodile. In the foreground are several reclining 



* A fine example of Italian sculpture in white marble. 



