Explore the Tapestry 'The Siege of Asilah'
The portuguese army besieged the city of Asilah for three days
By Tapestry Parish Museum of Pastrana
Museo Parroquial de Tapices de Pastrana
Detail of the tapestry “The siege of Asilah” (1471-1475) by Tournai Passchier GrenierTapestry Parish Museum of Pastrana
El cerco de Arcila (The Siege of Asilah) is the second tapestry in a series of four, which starts with El desembarco en Arcila and ends with La toma de Tánger. Together they tell the story of the conquests of Asilah and Tangier by King Afonso V of Portugal.
The tapestries at the Parochial Tapestry Museum in Pastrana demonstrate extraordinary technical skill, and their materials—silk and woollen threads, with natural dyes—are of exceptional quality, lending them a radiance with intense colors. The detailed recounting of the events follows a linear and chronological order.
The Portuguese army besieged the town for three days building a wooden fence to protect the rear. It is an amazing historical document and a first-class piece of artisan craft. The town is in the middle of the work right on the centre line.
Detail of the tapestry “The siege of Asilah” (1471-1475) by Tournai Passchier GrenierTapestry Parish Museum of Pastrana
Detail of the masts of the Portuguese vessels surrounding the town with its standards and topsails.
Detail of the tapestry “The siege of Asilah” (1471-1475) by Tournai Passchier GrenierTapestry Parish Museum of Pastrana
This image shows the prince on horseback with his armour and emblem in one of the two sectors that the attack to the town was divided in. The king led one while the prince led the other. Both are shown in this depiction.
Detail of the tapestry “The siege of Asilah” (1471-1475) by Tournai Passchier GrenierTapestry Parish Museum of Pastrana
The king is on the right of the siege leading his side. He is depicted on horseback with his armour and emblem, the castor and holding the staff of command in one of his hands.
Detail of the tapestry “The siege of Asilah” (1471-1475) by Tournai Passchier GrenierTapestry Parish Museum of Pastrana
Details of a simple iron bombard with protective mantle.
Detail of the tapestry “The siege of Asilah” (1471-1475) by Tournai Passchier GrenierTapestry Parish Museum of Pastrana
The two emblems of royal power and acknowledgement repeated all over the series fluttering in the wind are the castor and the Portuguese royal standard.
A project promoted by the Provincial Council of Guadalajara, Spain.
Coordination: Aurora Batanero and Mario González Somoano.
Production and realization: Laura Domínguez and Fernando Toquero.
Photographs: Alfonso Romo, Enrique Delgado, Nacho Abascal, Laura Domínguez and Fernando Toquero.
Translation: Miguel Ángel Muñoz Lobo.
