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A Flemish Old Testament Biblical Tapestry, Antwerp woven for the English market, late 17th/early 18th century
Estimate
7,000 - 10,000 GBP
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Description
- Approximately: 234cm. high, 442cm. wide; 7ft. 8in., 14ft. 6in.
woven depicting Esther presented to Ahasuerus
Provenance
Probably acquired by William Courtenay, 2nd Bt. (1675 – 1735) and thence by descent.
Literature
Inventory 1880, probably one of the `three pieces of tapestry' recorded in the State Room
Condition
Wooden batten attached (with nails) along top edge. Hooks attached to batten for hanging. Old lining. Would recommend that wooden batten be removed, the tapestry restored and then relined with Velcro attached for future hanging purposes. There are joins and splits in areas along the border. There is an outer yellow selvedge. Tapestry is in worn condition overall. Overall there are splits, areas of weakness, areas of old repairs and areas where warp threads are lacking revealing the warp threads, for example to the areas of light highlights. The areas of dark brown weave, for example the foreground area, have corroded, revealing warp threads, and loss of all threads in areas creating weak areas. Needs consolidation. Small dark areas to top centre of clouds in sky and to the white material swag in the canopy behind King Ahasuerus, which indicate discoloured edges of holes. Colour still present in some area, faded in others. Dirty overall. Still detail to the faces and it is in interesting and well balanced composition, from a historic series.
"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."
"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."