A French mythological tapestry fragment, Paris, Faubourg St. Marcel workshop, probably Alexandre de Comans circa 1635

from the Story of Rinaldo and Armida, from Tasso's Gerusalemme Liberata, after painting by Simon Vouet (1590-1649), woven with a central horse in a woodland glade, with two maidens supporting the sleeping figure of a young man

In very good professionally restored and rewoven condition. Stable condition. Cleaned. Not lined. Would recommend lining and Velcro attached for hanging purposes. Old linen strips across the top and bottom, with evidence of nail holes across the top. Side borders with linen strips and later yellow woven selvedge, corners with linen only. Reduced height and width. Some small horizontal splits. Some fading to colour. Generally good colour balance and sky still blue. Some old repair to moth damage, visible as spots, especially to sky. Repair to silks. Some reweaving overall , especially brown wool to trunks of trees. There is a repaired vertical join up the centre of the tapestry, visible by colour change, which does not detract from the overall appearance. There is also reweaving up the the left side of the tapestry, evident to dark area of trunk of tree and where the vertical join is clear, bottom left corner, see photograph. Decorative piece. Versatile size. Well balanced composition and colour. Colours not as contrasting and strong, still bright and attractive but not so startling and the flesh colours and light areas are creamier and more attractive. Appearance far crisper and much more defined in reality.
"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."

The most complete set of Rinaldo and Armida tapestries is the set of ten presented by Louis XIII to Cardinal Barberini; subsequently in the Foulke Collection, New York; Mrs Harrison Twombley; and Mrs Viola E. Bray. Now in the Viola E. Bray Renaissance Gallery, Flint Institute of Art, Michigan