Venus in her Chariot from a set of Mythological Subjects after Raphael

The monumental textile, "Venus in her Chariot from a set of Mythological Subjects after Raphael" by Raphael (Raffaello Sanzio or Santi), was woven between 1686 and 1692. This luxurious Textile piece exemplifies the intricate weaving techniques employed in the late 17th century. The high level of detail and rich material quality are achieved through the use of wool, silk, and silver thread, showcasing an extremely fine weave structure of 23-26 warps per inch (10-11 per cm.).

The mythological subject depicts the Roman goddess Venus ascending in her elaborate celestial chariot. The composition is dynamic, populated by various attendant men and several lively, winged putti. These secondary figures frequently accompany the central figure of Cupid, Venus’s son, who often guides the procession. Although executed nearly two centuries after the Renaissance, the design derives directly from earlier compositions by Raphael, demonstrating the enduring influence of the Italian master on European decorative arts. The original designs, often circulated widely through preparatory drawings or early modern prints, were transformed here into a unique decorative statement through the opulent medium of tapestry.

The exceptional quality of the materials and precise weaving technique suggests this textile was produced for an elite aristocratic or royal patron, highlighting its status as an expensive commission within the period’s taste for classical iconography. This impressive interpretation of a Raphael design is permanently housed in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.