54.
Brabant tapestry: *
Raphael was highly conscious that his work would be seen besides Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel ceiling (finished 1513) & therefore took great care in perfecting his designs, which are among his largest & most complicated. Originally intended to include 16 tapestries, completed 1516. Tapestries retained their Late Gothic prestige in the Renaissance. Most of the expense was in the manufacture: although the creation of the tapestries in Brussels cost 15,000 ducats, Raphael was paid only 1,000.
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tapestry on the right: The Death of Ananias, cartoon by Raphael.
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Ananias & his wife Sapphira were members of the early Christian church in Jerusalem; after lying to eh Holy Spirit about money, both suddenly died. (New Testament, Acts of the Apostles chapter 5)
