'Spring', A Louis XV classical tapestry, Aubusson, workshop of Michel Vergne, from the series The Four Seasons, early 18th century

woven with the Goddess Flora/Venus symbolising Spring, seated on chariot pulled by floral garlands by winged children/cupids, lacking border, with later banded narrow selvedges; reduced in width, with narrow strip of reweaving up the far right edge,

Tapestry is attached to a stretcher which is not visible from the front, and the tapestry could be removed from it if preferred. The later outer banded selvedge of the tapestry covers the edges of the velvet covered stretcher. The tapestry is presently sagging along the lower edge so it would benefit from adjusting if staying on the stretcher. The colour in the catalogue image is darker than the tapestry colours in reality and appears too mustard yellow. In reality lighter hues. Tapestry has evenly faded colours overall. Tapestry is reduced in size. The right hand vertical strip from the top to the bottom of the tapestry is later reweaving, visible in the photograph as the lighter strip to the right of the chariot (not so obvious in reality), and there is reweaving along the vertical edge on the left side, with is a staggered vertical line, for example around some of the leaves. The small areas of dark brown in the bottom left corner is later reweaving. There is a repaired vertical line up the centre, visible at the front of the chariot and running from top to bottom of tapestry. These areas are less obvious in reality. There are small repairs in areas. Overall stable condition. Decorative panel of good size. Detailed images are available from the department - contact Gina.Tammaro@sothebys.com.
"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.
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For a set of the Four Seasons represented by the appropriate divinities of Flora/Venus for Spring, Ceres for Summer, Bacchus for Autumn, and Vulcan for Winter (Collection du Conseil National de Monaco), see D & P. Chevalier, and P.F Bertrand, Les Tapisseries d’Aubusson et de Felletin, 1988, pp.75-77. The panel of Autumn is signed Michel Vergne, MRD (Manufacture Royale d'Aubusson). This set has different narrow gold and yellow border types. The comparable panel of Spring, is wider and the composition includes three further female figures following the chariot, with exuberant flowering plants extending across the foreground, and with further buildings in the background.