Issue date: 25 Apr, 2013
The tapestry Wedding of Odotano and Zenobia depicted in this souvenir sheet is part of the work pieces belonging to the National Heritage Organism who is responsible for the custody, management and administration of state-owned assets leased by the Crown.
The tapestry of the Wedding of Odotano and Zenobia was made in Brussels in silk and wool around 1660 in the workshop of Gerard Peemans. These 3rd century characters are represented holding hands in the centre of the tapestry. Odonato was king of Palmyra in what is now Syria. He took a second wife, Zenobia, who murdered him, seized power and founded the empire of Palmyra.
The tapestry is decorated with garlands of flowers and fruits that are interwoven with figures of cherubs. The upper border bears the inscription: Nubit odonate / Regina Zenobia / Mater Afirmatis / Foedus Iungit Utrique Manum. The lower trimming is decorated with garlands, birds and coral branches. The left hand side features a priest offering a sacrifice and, to the right, a group of young women bearing the horn of abundance. Brussels tapestries began to be signed from 1528 to prevent counterfeit.
The story of the tapestry is linked to the history of fabrics and dates back to ancient times. Its mission was to cover the bare walls with decorative fabrics which also insulated from the cold. The scenes reproduced were varied and could refer to mythology, religious themes, heraldic, plants, animals, members of the nobility or detailed representations of everyday life.
In the manufacture of tapestries high-warp looms are used when disposed vertically, or low-warp, when the loom is placed horizontally. In both cases the weaver works by following the cardboard back designed by the artist. The materials used vary with time, thus wool, silk, and gold and silver threads have been traditionally used whilst nowadays major innovations in materials and techniques have been introduced.
The tapestry in this souvenir sheet is on display in the Palacio Real in Madrid, where a grand a collection of textiles is kept.
Rate A - €0.75. For a “standard” letter or postcard within Spain, up to 20 g.
Rate A2 - €0.85. For a “standard” letter or postcard within Spain, between 20 g and 50 g.
Rate B - €1.65. For a “standard” Ordinary International letter or postcard addressed to Europe (including Greenland), up to 20 g.
Rate C - €1.75. For a “standard” Ordinary International letter or postcard addressed to the rest of the world (except USA, Canada, Japan, Australia and New Zealand), up to 20 g.
Rate D - €2.10. For a “standard” Ordinary International letter or postcard addressed to the USA, Canada, Japan, Australia and New Zealand, up to 20 g.