"Taking of the Rica de Montemassi" beautifully translates Simone Martini's historic fresco into textile form, capturing the medieval military narrative with remarkable fidelity. Against a midnight-blue sky, a knight in ceremonial armor rides a richly caparisoned steed decorated with geometric patterns in russet and gold. The horse prances proudly across a golden landscape toward a distant walled fortress flying its banner. Delicate weaving techniques render fine details from the original fresco, including the Latin inscription band along the bottom that grounds the scene in historical context.

About Taking of the Rica de Montemassi by Simone Martini

Created in 2004, this approximately 60-inch wide by 45-inch high tapestry draws inspiration from the famous 14th-century fresco by Sienese master Simone Martini. The piece showcases the exceptional craftsmanship of Brussels and Flemish weaving traditions, where skilled artisans have recreated the visual language of medieval Italian art through warp and weft. The tapestry's rich color palette-dominated by deep blues, burnished golds, and warm terra cottas-creates a harmonious composition that balances narrative clarity with decorative splendor. When displayed, this textile artwork brings the aristocratic elegance of European court culture into contemporary spaces, its historical imagery and traditional craftsmanship creating a focal point that connects viewers to centuries of artistic dialogue between Italian fresco painting and Northern European textile arts.