A Flemish `Feuilles de choux' large leaf tapestry, Oudenaarde late 16th century

the verdant ground incorporating a unicorn, birds and other animals, surrounded by columnar and strapwork superstructure, all within a four-sided narrow border

Colours of tapestry are crisper and more defined in reality. Yellow not as dark, more balanced overall, and for example match with the catalogue image in the central section of the strap work across the top of the tapestry. The greens are less blue and more green in hue, and crisper and with more definition and in reality there is more sense of depth. Browns of animals less tan looking in hue and more subtle darker brown. Colours have faded overall. There are minor repairs and areas of reweaving in places, which are commensurate with age. The blue edge along the top is repair and small sections within fruiting groups and areas of foliage have repairs. The light areas, such as the faces, arms and feet of the figures incorporated in the superstructure have been repaired, which is typical due to the age and lightness of original colours (which do not last hundreds of years). Small highlights within fruit, flowers and wings of birds repaired. The tapestry has balanced colour and composition overall. It has been professionally cleaned and is in good condition overall, with professional restorations. It is stable and does not need any restoration. Minor repairs: The bottom of the lining along the lower edge needs to be stitched up and there is a minor horizontal split between the blue ground and the top border, at the centre along the top. This tapestry has linen backing and has Velcro attached across the top for hanging purposes. The lower edge (selvedge) – which is yellow vertical lines on blue, has been turned up and is underneath the lining (visible due to lining in section along bottom being open).
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