Tapestry 'Priam Facing the City of Troy' (from the set 'The Story of the Trojan War')

The Trojan War tapestries, a subject designed in the late 15th century, and depicted in 11 or more massive scenes, covering some 500 square metres. However, the appeal of this subject was more than just its dramatic quality: the choice of hanging such complex designs made clear the owner’s appreciation of the Classics, and advertised his intellect and discernment.
Because the designers depicted the ancient Greeks and Trojans partly in contemporary 15th-century costume, the narrative was brought up to date, and viewers could identify with the heroes and struggles shown. The appeal of this subject continued into the 17th century. There are two examples from a 16th-century set of The Story of the Trojan War, based on designs by Michiel Coxcie. The practice of using contemporary costumes to modernise narratives, including religious stories, was widespread among tapestry designers.