Tapestry, Victory of Queen Tomyris over King Cyrus II.
405 x 333 cm (13' 3" x 10' 11")
Netherlands ca. 1575 – 1600, probably by Francois Spiering (1551 – 1630), Delft
Condition: Good considering its age, some professional restorations, possibly slightly reduced in length and width
Silk and wool on wool

The legendary tale between Tomyris and Cyrus II recounts a conflict over power and vengeance. Tomyris, the widow and sole ruler of the Massagetae, was challenged by Cyrus II, who sought to conquer her realm. Following a series of events, including a forged invitation to battle and the capture of Tomyris' son, the conflict culminated in a decisive battle. Cyrus was defeated and killed, and in retaliation for her son's death, Tomyris had his head placed in a sack of blood.
Originally, the present piece was the sixth and final tapestry from the series "The Story of Cyrus II." Comparable tapestries can be found in various museums such as the de Young Fine Arts Museum of San Francisco, the Isabella Stewart-Gardner Museum, and the Royal Palace of Aranjuez. All were created during the same period and are very similar, with variations primarily in size. Similar examples can also be found in literature.