One of three pieces with the monogram of Ralph Montagu and his first wife, Elizabeth, set on a shield supported by gods and goddesses representing Earth (Ceres and Cybele), Water (Neptune and Amphitrite) and Air (Juno and Iris). Inserted awkwardly above the monogram is the coronet to which Ralph Montagu was entitled from April 1689, added, according to Vanderbank's bill, in 1695.
BORDER: each tapestry in the set has a different though similarly structured design symbolizing the Element concerned, including, as in the French models, emblematic roundels which originally celebrated the Piety, Valour, Magnanimity and Benevolence of Louis XIV. Arms of Montagu centre to.
PROVENANCE purchased by Alph Montagu before he became an Earl: retrospective bill of Vanderbank for 1695 'for making 3 Earls Corronetts & putting them in 3 pieces of elements which are in the Dukes bedchamber----06 00 00'. Inventories of Montagu House (MH1?, MH4, MH5), and moved with other tapestries to the new house in 1735