Lot 2
  • 2

A "MILLEFLEURS" TAPESTRY, CIRCA 1510, SOUTHERN NETHERLANDS |

Estimate
30,000 - 50,000 EUR
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Description

  • 170 x 540 cm ; 67 x 212 1/2 in.
with three medallions decorated with coats of arms, flowers and animals on a dark blue background, the backdrop with architectural elements

Literature

Comparative literature:
P. Bertrand, Exposition "Millefleurs", galerie Blondeel-Deroyan, Paris, 2000
D. Boccara, Les Belles Heures de la Tapisserie, Switzerland, 1971, p. 37
J. Boccara, Âmes de laine et de soie, Saint-Rémy-en-l'Eau, 1988, p. 47
G. Delmarcel, Flemish tapestry, New York, 1999
F. Joubert, La tapisserie au Moyen Âge, Rennes, 2000

Condition

Illustration is fine. It is in good restored condition (restorations to the blue areas), linen and ready to display.
"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

There are several categories of mille-fleurs tapestries classified according to the manner in which the flowers are arranged. According to Guy Delmarcel and Erik Duverger, the more the flowers are compressed, the later in time the tapestries were made.
The identification of the loom mills remains difficult, but Bruges, Tournai, Enghien and Brussels produced some. We can compare this tapestry to a fragment kept at the château of Angers made in Flanders around 1510.