A Brussels Mythological tapestry Fragment, from the series the Story of Ceres, attributed to Jan Frans van der Hecke or Marcus de Vos third quarter 17th century

Estimate

10,000 - 15,000 USD

bidding is closed

Description

height 8ft. 11in.; width 6ft.
(2.7m; 1.82m)

Proserpina and Ceres embracing in the foreground, with a bacchic procession and banquet table in the distance.

Provenance

David and Alfred Smart Museum of Art, University of Chicago
Sold, Christie's, New York, April 2, 2003, lot 422

Catalogue Note

Both Jan Frans van der Hecke or Marcus de Vos executed compositions from this series and both were active in Brussels during this period.

Proserpina, Ceres' daughter, returns to her mother's care following her abduction by Pluto. According to the myth, Ceres the goddess of Agriculture and Earth, decreed that the earth remain barren until her daughter was returned to her. Pluto compromised and allowed Proserpina to return for four months of each year, during which time the harvest was bountiful.