Borders

The borders of the tapestries help to tell the moral meaning of the picture that they surround.

On this tapestry there are three figures along each side and five along the lower edge. They are designed to personify the qualities illustrated in the story: Violence, Pillage, Battle and Tyranny symbolise the aggression of the Elamites; Kindness, Peace and Brotherly Love the relationship between Abraham and Melchizadek. Abraham’s skill as a leader is further illustrated by the figures of Victory, Good Reputation and Honour; all are qualities to which a Tudor king would aspire.
To find out more about how these tapestries were made click here.

Tapestry borders