Pastrana Tapestries


The so called Pastrana Tapestries are a set of four large tapestries commissioned by king Afonso V of Portugal to celebrate the successful conquest of the Moroccan cities of Asilah and Tangiers by the Portuguese in 1471. Each measures about 11 by 4 meters, and are made of wool and silk.
Their manufacture has been attributed to the workshop of Passchier Grenier in Tournai, modern-day Belgium. The Tapestries are remarkable for being one of the few 15th century works of weaving depicting contemporary rather than biblical or mythological episodes. They feature an impressive array of detailed depictions of Gothic plate armours and weapons such as swords, crossbows, polearms, cannons, and even handcannons, that would have been innovative in the period. The Tapestries have been kept at the Colegiada de Pastrana Museum in Pastrana, Spain, since 1664, though it is unknown how exactly they came to Spain.
The four tapestries depict four episodes regarding the conquest of Asilah:
Landing at AsilahSiege of Asilah
Storming of AsilahTakeover of Tangiers