A Flemish Allegorical Narrative Tapestry Panel, probably Tournai early 16th century

woven with distinctive groupings of figures, including equestrian figures, couples, children and babies, and group seated around a fire playing cards, within a landscape setting, with mille-fleur foreground, small fruiting trees; lacking border

See footnote to previous lot, which is a companion piece.

This tapestry has partial lining of old linen, around the edges. Later four-sided blue selvedge. It would benefit from being relined, across the whole panel, with Velcro added across the top for future hanging purposes. Presently has old hoops across the top edge. There are patches of linen attached at the back which are old consolidating repairs to which the stitches were attached for support, as no lining. Not unusual to see these on tapestries of this age, that have not been re-lined for many years. Small remaining section of pale blue outer selvedge with line of white diagonal lines woven across the blue ground. As a result of no overall lining, the colour is visible at the back, revealing that the tapestry still has fairly strong colours overall. Colours not as dark as in the catalogue image, but crisper and more attractive. Light areas less startling in reality. In overall good stable condition. Some dirt and general fading commensurate with age. For example see discolouration in sky, typical of top edge of tapestry, and the flesh colours having faded, to what is a typical flesh colour now for old tapestries. In contrast there are still the subtle hints of pink and apricot and coloured eyes, which is the exception rather than the rule. Some small old repairs commensurate with age. Repairs to areas of light areas in places, for example the sheep. Some minor splits and small dark areas of discolouration, commensurate with age. This is an early 16th century tapestry in overall good old restored condition. In this particular panel there is a small patch, top left corner of the tapestry, visible in the photograph. There are later areas of repair represented by the terracotta colour in areas of the panel, for example around the pomegranate tree half way up the left side, and to areas of the shoes of some figures. The tapestry has been reduced in height at the top, eliminating the full height of figures in each corner. There is repair along the bottom edge, to the blue ground, as visible in the image. Measurements: Fragment Left Vertical height: 362cm. Central Vertical height: 366cm. Right Vertical height: 362cm. Top Horizontal width: 335cm. Central Horizontal width: 336cm. Bottom horizontal width: 336cm. This is a striking tapestry of overall balanced composition and colour. It has many beautiful examples of highly technical early weaving technique, such as eccentric weave and hachures. Very evocative and charming early tapestry panel with attention to every detail, from the deck of cards and gaming purses in the top group, to the collars of the dogs within the large mille-fleur plants, and especially to the costume and faces.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."