This 16th Century masterpiece is one of the series of tapestries known as The Hunts of the Emperor Maximilian which is currently at Le Louvre in Paris. This set was designed by Bernard Van Orley (1471-1541), a famous designer who was commissioned by such important personages at Lady Margaret of Austria and the Emperor Charles V. He created the original artwork or cartoons from which the tapestries were woven. The set consists of twelve tapestries, all devoted to hunting, which was highly popular during this period, it being common in the 16th Century to use a chronological series to elaborate a theme.

The scene depicts the preparation for the Hunt. In the centre of the tapestry, a rider is seated on a rearing horse. He is wearing a slitted red velvet doublet, which was worn with small hip pads on a small skirt; the trousers are similar to medieval hose. His headgear, a tilted cap , is also typical of the fashion in the first half of the 16th century. In the background is a splendid view of the city of Brussels. To the left, on a hill, is the former Ducal Palace, and the towers of Saint-Jacob-op-de-Coudenberg and the Palace of Nassau can be distinguished. In the centre, the town roofs huddle together behind the city wall. Also noticeable are the steeple of the Church of St. Nicholas and the spire of the Town Hall. On the extreme right are the two west towers of Saint Gudule.

• Tapestry Type      Loom Woven
• Woven in               Belgium
• Composition         88% cotton, 12% polyester
• Dimensions           62 x 128 cm;     125 x 254 cm;      244 x 475 cm