exhibit > Knights in Shining Armor: The Pavia Tapestries

During the Renaissance, monumental tapestries served as immersive and elaborate tools for dynamic storytelling, political propaganda, and the depiction of history. Knights in Shining Armor: The Pavia Tapestries offers an unprecedented look at some of the most awe-inspiring examples of these dynamic textile compositions, enhanced by the addition of full suits of intricate parade armor and stunning ceremonial weapons from the 16th century.
This cycle of seven lavish weavings, here shown together in the United States for the first time, has been fully restored to its original glory and depicts scenes from the famed Battle of Pavia, a decisive victory in 1525 where the army of Holy Roman Emperor Charles V defeated King Francis I of France. Paired with an impressive selection of arms and armor, these monumental tapestries draw viewers into the world of Renaissance history, fashion, and military technology.

The exhibit is organized by the Museo e Real Bosco di Capodimonte and The Museum Box in collaboration with the Kimbell Art Museum, the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco, and the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston and with the Consulate General of Italy in Houston and the Italian Cultural Institute in Los Angeles.