- 16
AN UPPER RHENISH TAPESTRY DEPICTING KING SOLOMON AND THE TWO RIDDLES OF THE QUEEN OF SHEBA DATED 1544, PROBABLY ALSACE
Estimate
15,000 - 25,000 USD
Log in to view results
bidding is closed
Description
- textile
- height 36 in.; 44 in.
- 91.5 cm; 110.5 cm
incorporating gold thread, dated 1544.
Provenance
Prince of Arenburg
Professor Pringshiem, Munich, 1914
Marczell Von Nemes, Munich
His sale, F. Müller & Cie., Amsterdam, November 13-14, 1928, Lot 179
A. S. Drey, Munich
Professor Pringshiem, Munich, 1914
Marczell Von Nemes, Munich
His sale, F. Müller & Cie., Amsterdam, November 13-14, 1928, Lot 179
A. S. Drey, Munich
Literature
Pringsheim, Report, 2 February 1914, Mtg. of Kunstwissenschaftlichen Gesellschaft in Münchener Jahrbuch, vol. 9 (1914-15), p. 246
B. Kurth, "The Riddles of the Queen of Sheba in Swiss and Alsatian Tapestries," in Connoisseur, vol. 106, December 1940, pp. 234-237, 266, fig. IV
toia, The Metropolitan Museum of Art Journal, vol. 6, 1972, pp. 73-103, p.8off.
B. Kurth, "The Riddles of the Queen of Sheba in Swiss and Alsatian Tapestries," in Connoisseur, vol. 106, December 1940, pp. 234-237, 266, fig. IV
toia, The Metropolitan Museum of Art Journal, vol. 6, 1972, pp. 73-103, p.8off.
Condition
Some fading, expert restoration/reweaving throughout entire panel, partially later selvage. New backing. Catalog image is slightly redder than actual textile. Ready to hang.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE 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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.
Catalogue Note
The story of the Riddles of the Queen of Sheba attracted the attention of 15th and 16th century German artists but only six Upper Rhenish tapestries are known to depict the subject. The earliest of these tapestries is in the Cloisters, New York (Ostoia, op.cit., p. 80). The composition of the Caramoor tapestry relates closely to an Upper Rhenish weaving in in the Basel Historisches Museum dated 1561 (Göbel, Wandteppiche, part III, vol. I, no. 152a) as both have been enriched with additional figures and details in the landscapes.
According to the Bible, the Queen of Sheba journeyed to Jerusalem to test King Solomon’s famed wisdom. Among other challenges concerning fundamentals of human life, the Queen presented the King with twins and asked him how to distinguish the boy from the girl. Solomon replied that the boy would catch the apple in the lap of his dress by lifting it up and the girl, more modest, would collect them in her hands.