After Bernaert van Orley – The Month of December, sign of Capricorn

The tapestry presents a lively hunting scene unfolding within a densely wooded landscape. A central figure, mounted on horseback and clad in vibrant red and gold attire, dominates the composition. He is actively engaged in pursuing a wild boar, which charges forward with considerable force. Several other hunters are depicted surrounding the action; some wield spears, attempting to impede the boar’s progress, while others observe from a distance. A pack of hounds, rendered with meticulous detail, presses closely behind the boar, contributing to the overall sense of urgency and dynamism.
The landscape itself is characterized by a muted palette of browns, greens, and grays, typical of a late autumn or early winter setting. Bare trees punctuate the background, suggesting a season of dormancy. A distant structure, possibly a manor house or hunting lodge, hints at the social context of this pursuit – an activity reserved for the elite. The meticulous rendering of foliage and terrain demonstrates considerable skill in depicting naturalistic detail within the constraints of the tapestry medium.
Beyond the literal depiction of a hunt, the scene appears to carry symbolic weight. The boar, often associated with aggression, untamed nature, and even demonic forces in medieval iconography, is being pursued by a nobleman – a visual representation of societal order attempting to subdue primal instincts. The mounted figure’s attire suggests authority and power; his position at the center of the composition reinforces this interpretation.
The inclusion of the hounds further emphasizes themes of loyalty, pursuit, and control. They are integral to the hunt, but also serve as symbols of subservience and obedience. The bare trees in the background might allude to a sense of hardship or challenge, while the distant dwelling could represent civilization and refinement – the goals towards which the hunters strive.
The decorative border, teeming with floral motifs, provides a visual contrast to the energetic action within the central scene. This framing element serves not only as an aesthetic embellishment but also subtly reinforces the idea that this hunt is a carefully orchestrated event, contained and controlled within a larger framework of societal norms and artistic conventions.