A RARE TAPESTRY FROM THE 'CONDAMNATION DE BANCQUET' SERIE, PROBABLY TOURNAI, EARLY 16TH CENTURY |

with narrative panel, within a stylised foliate and bell motif border on a blue ground, with inscription and banderole 

Les tapisseries de la Condamnation de Bancquet, Nancy, 1980

The photograph is too dark brown; the colours (especially the blue areas) are actually more vivid. The tapestry was once restored a long time ago (many traces of past restorations, especially in the inscriptions) and is now in average condition and slightly sun-faded. The borders are possibly later; the lower border is fold but present. Lined.
"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."

The Condamnation of Bancquet is an allegorical story with a moral lesson to denounce the excesses and downside of fine food. A large number of characters are included, but the main libertines are called Bancquet, Souper et Diner puis Bonne-Compaignie, Gourmandise, Friandise, Passetemps, Je-boy-à-vous, Je-plaige-d'autant, et Acoustumance (Banquet, Supper and Dinner, then Good Company, Gourmandise, Treats, Loiter, I-drink-to-you, I-match-yours, and Habits). One recognizes Friandise (Sweets) and I-pleige-d'autant (I-match-yours) in the presented. The Condamnation of Bancquet theme was reproduced several times in Tournai. In 1501, Philip the Handsome bought from Colard Bloyart four tapestries où il y a plusieurs nouvelles histoires à personnages, à manière de Bancquet (where there are several new stories with characters, in the Bancquet manner). In 1519-1520, the city of Tournai gifted to Gaspard de Coligny, Marshal of France, eight tapestries of the Bancquet Story, woven on a model that he had seen in 1513 in Pasquier Grenier's home, a financier from Tournai. Cardinal Charles d'Amboise decorated his Château de Gaillon with a ten-parts Condamnation de Bancquet, probably purchased in 1508 from Antoine Grenier, a Tournai merchant.