- 3
Flanders, probably Brussels
Estimate
6,000 - 8,000 GBP
bidding is closed
Description
- Classical Tapestry
- wool, woven
- approximately 336 by 252cm., 11ft by 8ft 3in.
woven with classical figures in a landscape, within a four-sided compartmentalised border incorporating allegorical figures, with narrow inner and outer borders
Condition
Overall measurements: 252cm across the top, 247cm across the bottom, 336cm along the left side, 335cm along the right side.
Tapestry has old lining panels on reverse. Recommend that Velcro attached for hanging purposes in the future. Some holes in tapestry in top right corner.
Colours are very faded across the whole panel, so still has balanced appearance in colour.
Historical tapestry with wide border. Decorative.
"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
Classical Roman History tapestries of this period often combined figural compositions with figures in classical dress within borders that incorporated an architectural and compartmentalised design with allegorical figures and decorative floral motifs. They often depicted standing male classical figures in the foreground of a landscape setting with encampments in the background. For a larger Flemish tapestry composition of a Roman History subject, possibly Hannibal and Scipio, Brussels, 16th century, with standing figures and a soldier with his back to us carrying a package and his weaponry, as in the offered fragment, and variation of the compartmentalised allegorical border, see Sotheby’s, London, 17 May 1968, lot 9. There were variations to the head wear, and the cited example includes a figure with a Phrygian cap whereas in the present fragment there is a helmet with lion head detailing. For a set of six tapestries, in a similar border type to the present fragment, from The Story of Cyrus, Antwerp, circa 1590, see Paulina Junquera de Vega, Concha Herrero Carretero, Catàlogo de Tapices del Patrimonio Nacional, Madrid, 1986, Vol. I, Siglio XVI, Serie 40, Pano I-VI, pp.290-296.