Golden Fleece apestry woven in wool and silk
The mythological story of Jason is synonymous with adventure and great feats of heroism. This tapestry belongs to a cycle of seven works relating the story of Jason’s voyage with the Argonauts; their quest to capture the golden fleece, and their subsequent return to Greece. Particular emphasis is placed on one aspect of the story that is seldom explored: Jason and Medea.The cycle was woven in the celebrated Gobelins workshop to cartoons by François de Troy.
The fourth tapestry in the cycle, this scene illustrates the culmination of all Jason’s efforts throughout his perilous journey: the capture of the golden fleece. Jason reaches up to cut the fleece down from an oak tree. At his feet lies the scaled beast that guarded the fleece, now fast asleep, under the spell of Medea’s song.
Reference: © Victoria and Albert Museum