- 75
A Flemish Classical Tapestry, Brussels, workshop of Marcus De Vos, 17th century
Estimate
35,000 - 45,000 GBP
bidding is closed
Description
- wool flatweave
- Approximately 329cm. high, 325cm. wide; 10ft. 9in., 10ft. 8in.
possibly from the Story of Zenobia and Aurelius, woven with a female being brought before a Roman classical male figure on a central throne, with tents of an encampment visible in the distance, within an elaborate three sided architectural border, the lower selvege bearing the BB Brussels town mark, and weaver's mark M.De. Vos
Condition
The colours of this tapestry in reality are more vibrant, crisper, more attractive and appearance is more defined than in the catalogue photograph.
This tapestry is in stable, restored condition. It is lined. The blue outer selvedge bearing the town mark and weaver's name is original, with some minor later sections. The details within the border are woven extending into the side selvedges. There are scattered repairs and reweaves, to areas of the brown weave and areas of highlights. The left side of the central architectural niche has a rewoven area, visible as brown shades and not red/pink, and to the right of the seated figure, above his shoulder. The areas of brown weave, have in areas oxidised, which is commensurate with the colour and age of brown dye, and reveals small specks of the white foundation, or areas of later repair. For examples of these areas see repairs and brown of hair of figures and fur of dog, and dark brown shadow areas in main field and to ground of the border. There are repairs to the inner shaded borders on all sides. Minor repairs to details such as eyes, and to some areas of light highlight areas in flowers and yellows of drapery.
This is a dynamic tapestry, with very decorative border, balanced composition and colour.
"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."
Catalogue Note
Brussels workshop of family de Vos, was operative from the seond half of the 17th century, and Marcus de Vos was dean of the tapestry maker's craft in 1663 and 1665. He purchased cartoons in 1675 from the estate of Francois van den Hecke.
For a comparable subject from the Story of Zenobia, with a seated laurel wreated figure, standing female figure and incorporation of small children and dogs, see Marthe Crick Kuntziger, Musée Royaux d'Art et d'Histoire de Bruxelles Catalogue des Tapisseries, 1954, pl.83, pg.79, and interestingly a weaving from the Story of Achilles, after Rubens, which shows a central throned figure, the throne with similar niche and use of scallop shell, and the incorporation of a greyhound, ibid. pl.71, pg. 64.