Lot 9
  • 9

An Aubusson historical tapestry depicting the Triumph of Alexander, after Charles Le Brun circa 1700

Estimate
40,000 - 50,000 USD
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Description

  • wool
  • height 9 ft. 4 in.; width 23 ft. 10 in.
  • 284 cm, 726 cm

Condition

Lined with loops. Good colors of the whole palette. Restorations throughout, particularly cream-colored silks. Silks somewhat dry. Splits and areas of open warps througout. Lovely quality and design.
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

At the command of Louis XIV, Charles le Brun painted Alexander and the Queens of Persia at Fontainebleau in 1660.  On the recommendation of Colbert, this led to his appointment as 'premier peintre du Roi', and shortly thereafter he completed four other paintings of the Story of Alexander:  The Triumph of Alexander, The Crossing of the Granicius, The Battle of Arbela, and Alexander and Porus.  These were used for the famous series of Alexander tapestries first woven at Gobelins, and were later adapted and extended by the leading weavers at Brussels, and produced also at Lorraine, Felletin and Aubusson.  In the present tapestry, the Aubusson weavers have combined two of the scenes in a long horizontal panel, separated by a vertical tree trunk; the group at right shows the wounded Porus from Alexander and Porus.