University of Rochester (Memorial Art Gallery)

The Memorial Art Gallery will use Conservation Project Support funds to conserve Battle of the Animals, a Renaissance tapestry in its permanent collection. Woven ca. 1560-1580, this large Flemish tapestry features a variety of exotic, real, and fantastic animals in a lush landscape with hunters, dogs, and horses in a forest dotted with castles and lodges in the background. In addition to the conservation treatment, project activities will include scholarly research, publication-grade photography, preparation of materials for use by the museum's education department, and the development of an interactive, multimedia Web-based presentation exploring the tapestry's conservation, unique imagery, and historical context. Once conserved, Battle of the Animals will be installed on rotation as a highlight of the museum's Renaissance gallery.