Border Designs for the Mortlake "Acts of the Apostles" Tapestries

Art Historical Context

Step into the opulent world of 17th-century English royal patronage with Franz Cleyn's *Border Designs for the Mort "Acts of the Apostles Tapestries* (ca. 1626–36). Cleyn, a Danish-born who became the director of designs at the Mortlake Tapestry Works—the crown's premier manufactory founded by James I in 1619—crafted these intricate preparatory drawings. Tall and narrow (each sheet measures 36⅜ × 4¼ inches), they frame the monumental tapestries depicting scenes from the New Testament, blending classical motifs with lush floral and figural elements to evoke grandeur. Executed in watercolor with white heightening for luminous depth, accented by precise pen and ink details and graphite underdrawing, these works showcase Cleyn's mastery of mixed media. The white gouache highlights mimic the shimmering threads of woven tapestries, bridging paper sketch to finished luxury textile. Mortlake's output rivaled Flemish workshops, adorning palaces like Whitehall, and these designs highlight the fusion of continental Baroque flair with English innovation. Recently acquired by The Metropolitan Museum of Art through the Harry G. Sperling Fund, they offer a rare glimpse into the collaborative artistry behind Europe's finest tapestries—where every border told a story of power, piety, and splendor.