Arrival in Europe
During the Middle Ages the Romani people spread across Europe. In the 13th century they were to be found in European parts of the Byzantine Empire. By 1322 Romani people were present in Crete and there is evidence that others were living in Walachia in today’s Rumania by 1385.
By 1435 they were a recognised presence in most European towns. The 15th century saw the first expulsion of Romani people. Shortly after this they began to be consistently persecuted.
The Visit of the Gypsies
“The Visit of the Gypsies” depicts a meeting between Romani people and aristocrats in the early 16th century. The tapestry is of wool and silk and was made in Belgium at around 1510.
Source: Currier Museum of art, Manchester New Hampshire.