FRANCO-FLEMISH Rabbit-Hunting with Ferrets, 1978

This striking vintage exhibition poster was created for Five Centuries of Tapestry, held at the Cincinnati Art Museum from August 6 to October 1, 1978, organized in collaboration with the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco and the American Federation of Arts.

The image reproduced on the poster, Rabbit-Hunting with Ferrets, originates from a remarkable Franco-Flemish tapestry, circa 1460–1470, traditionally attributed to a workshop in Tournai, one of the most important centers of tapestry production in late medieval Europe. As is characteristic of the period, the work is anonymous, produced through a highly skilled collaborative process between designer and master weavers.

The composition is richly animated, depicting peasants engaged in the lively and tactile activity of hunting rabbits with ferrets, surrounded by dense foliage rendered in exquisite detail. Unlike the more formal aristocratic hunting scenes of the era, this tapestry offers a rare and engaging glimpse into everyday rural life, elevating a humble subject into a complex decorative and narrative achievement.

The poster faithfully captures the intricate patterning, jewel-like color palette, and rhythmic composition of the original textile, making it both a visually compelling piece and an accessible entry point into the world of early European tapestry. It stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of pre-digital craftsmanship and the historical depth that continues to inspire collectors today.

A beautiful and decorative example of a museum exhibition poster, appealing to collectors of medieval imagery, textile arts, and classic institutional graphics.