Knights in Shining Armor: The Pavia Tapestries March 2–May 26, 2025
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Designed by Bernard van Orley, woven by Willem and Jan Dermoyen, Surrender of King François I, c. 1528–31, wool, silk, gold, and silver thread, Museo e Real Bosco di Capodimonte, Naples. Image © Museo e Real Bosco di Capodimonte.
Designed by Bernard van Orley, woven by Willem and Jan Dermoyen, The Incursion of the Imperial Bagge Train into the Battlefield, and the Surrender of the Swiss Pikeman of the French Army, c. 1528–31, wool, silk, gold, and silver thread, Museo e Real Bosco di Capodimonte, Naples. Image © Museo e Real Bosco di Capodimonte.
Designed by Bernard van Orley, woven by Willem and Jan Dermoyen, The Advance of the Imperial Army and Counterattack of the French Cavalry Led by King François I, c. 1528–31, wool, silk, gold, and silver thread, Museo e Real Bosco di Capodimonte, Naples. Image © Museo e Real Bosco di Capodimonte.
History comes alive! Witness a Renaissance battle play out across royal tapestries before coming face to face with the very arms and armor they depict.
During the Renaissance, monumental tapestries served as immersive and elaborate tools for dynamic storytelling, political propaganda, and the depiction of history. Knights in Shining Armor: The Pavia Tapestries offers an unprecedented look at some of the most awe-inspiring examples of these dynamic textile compositions, enhanced by the addition of full suits of intricate parade armor and stunning ceremonial weapons from the sixteenth century.
This cycle of seven lavish weavings has been fully restored to its original glory and depicts scenes from the famed Battle of Pavia, a decisive victory in 1525 where the army of Holy Roman Emperor Charles V defeated King Francis I of France. Paired with an impressive selection of arms and armor, these monumental tapestries draw viewers into the world of Renaissance history, fashion, and military technology.
The tapestries were designed by court artist Bernard van Orley and woven in Brussels by Willem and Jan Dermoyen using deep, saturated hues with exquisite details highlighted in gold. Each scene measures approximately 28 feet wide and 14 feet high and is packed with nearly life-size figures, all manner of weaponry, and horses in full battle regalia. These enthralling narratives show key moments from the battle and are set against scenic depictions of the countryside around the besieged northern Italian city of Pavia. This is the first time these works have been shown together in the United States.
► Publication
The illustrated exhibition catalogue is available through the MFA Shop (713.639.7360) and the Museum’s Hirsch Library (713.639.7325).
Knights in Shining Armor: The Pavia Tapestries / March 2–May 26, 2025
"Knights in Shining Armor: The Pavia Tapestries" is organized by the Museo e Real Bosco di Capodimonte and The Museum Box in collaboration with the Kimbell Art Museum, the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco, and the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston.
Major support is provided by:
Martha and Richard Finger
Additional generous support is provided by:
Vivian L. Smith Foundation
Ready to Visit?
Member and ALL ACCESS tickets include same-day admission to this Special Exhibition, all other Special Exhibitions, and the MFAH Permanent Collections.
Get Your Ticket