Mapping the Antwerp-Brussels-Oudenarde tapestry complex (1600-1700) via social network analysis.

17th-century Flemish tapestry production was exceptionally capital-intensive and perilous. Tapissiers had to find ways to maximize their creditworthiness and to minimize information assymetries between themselves and prospective buyers to avoid market failure. The question emerging from these observations is straightforward: How did they do it? How did 17-th century Antwerp, Brussels and Oudenarde tapissiers succeed in overcoming all these challenges?

Keywords:socio-economic history, painting, infovis, Creative industries, Sociology, Tapestry, Mapping

Disciplines:Art studies and sciences