`Hortus Conclusus' (Enclosed Garden), A Flemish Allegorical tapestry, Tournai circa 1500-1525

woven with composition divided into three sections by two decorated narrow golden columns with a tracery wrought iron Gothic arch structure, marking the entrance into the garden, incorporating exotic stylised griffin perched upon it,  the garden is enclosed by a wattle fence with further birds are perched on the edge of it, and within the garden is a stag, a landscape with buildings extends into the background, the panel is flanked by an orange tree and apple tree,  the foreground woven with large flowering plants, including the daisy, marigold and pansy, together with a badger and spotted animal; lacking border, later selvedge

Four tapestries in the Metropolitan Museum represent similar themes, and are called Hunting Parks, dated circa 1515-1535, South Netherlands, and similarly to the here offered tapestry they depict the enclosed garden with gateway, fruiting trees, flowers, birds and animals, as the present subject, however in contrast they all include figures within the composition, involved in hunting pursuits, or walking and resting. They are all within narrow stylised floral and foliate borders, see A. Cavallo, Medieval Tapestries in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, 1993, pp.574-585., 49a-d.

An interesting related tapestry is the Deer Park tapestry, South Netherlands, dated 1500-1525, from the Burrell Collection, Glasgow Museums and Art Galleries, and the figures are smaller in format, and there is more emphasis on the enclosed animlas, and the distinct allegorical plants in the composition, illustrated Cavallo, ibid, pg.582, fig. 171. A comparable to the Burrell example was sold Sotheby's, London, 1st July 1966, lot 7.

A similar `Verdure with Animals – an enclosed garden and a fountain of life', tapestry in the Rijksmuseum, which has the garden enclosure with wattle fence and gateposts, and is centred with a fountain of life with a Gothic tracery superstructure, dated 1500-1525, South Netherlands, (lacking a border), shows similarities in composition to the present tapestry. It has no humans depicted, and the composition is predominated by the animals, including a griffin and a badger, together with foreground flowers, enhancing the significance of the Christian symbolism of the `Hortus conclusus', enclosed garden including the animals, griffin half bird, half animal, symbolising Christ's dual personification as god and man, and that of the flowers. It is however lacking the inclusion of the fruit trees, associated with Paradise and the tree of good and evil. See Ebeltje Hartkamp-Jonxis and Hillie Smith, European Tapestries in the Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam, 2004, pp.45-47, no.8. Another tapestry of similar composition, from the Bergisches Museum, Schloss Burg an der Wupper, shows the wattle fence close against the outer edge of the panel, which is surrounded by a four-sided border, and just above the top of the fence is the background landscape and buildings, perched birds and foreground plants and animals, much like that of the present tapestry panel.  A fragment of a Hortus Conclusus tapestry, with only half the enclosure with wattle fence and one gatepost to the left, the garden enclosing deer, and incorporating futher birds and other animals, with distant buildings on horizon, was sold Sotheby's, London, 6th July 1995, lot 10.

This tapestry has been professionally cleaned and restored. It has complimentary dark green linen lining and Velcro across the top, for hanging purposes. This tapestry has a new outer selvedge. Excellent overall condition. Some small areas of reweaving and repair, for example near the edges, and the brown areas. Beautiful examples of early weaving technique, such as hachures and eccentric weave. Good colour balance overall, even though faded, commensurate with age. Highly decorative allegorical tapestry with charming details, of versatile size.
"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."