A Flemish Portico Tapestry early 17th century

woven with a central exuberant ground of flowers on a blue ground eminating from a white elaborate vase with profile duck handles, the floral ground with ribbon tied swags visible across the top in the corners, flanked by two narrow fluted columns with corinthian capitals, flanking a composite architrave covered with red and yellow floral ground, centred by a elaborately carved mount enclosing a profile pastoral figure, with `c'-scrolls and a mask and ribbon from which is suspended on each side an elaborately carved mount enclosing the same pastoral figure as the mount in the top border, the outer vertical edges with a border of alternating leaf motifs, with a four-sided blue selvedge

Sotheby's, London, 19^th November 1971, lot 35, catalogued as Brussels or possibly Florentine, early 17^th century, was a tapestry of similar composition to the offered tapestry, in that it had two flanking narrow fluted columns with Corinthian capitals, supporting an architrave above with `c'-scrolls flanking a mask from which eminates the ribbon suspending the elaborately carved mount enclosing the same pastoral figures, flanking an exuberant ground of flowers with ribbon tied swags visible across the top and incorporating two vases and a central basket on a ledge. The side border of the alternating leaf motif is similar. This tapestry has additional plinth supports in each lower corner and unusual joining horizontal friezes, with landscapes and stylised leaf edging.

For related tapestries see the Catàlogo de Tapices del Patrimonio Nacional, Madrid, 1986, Vol. II, Siglo XVII, Serie 67-68, pp.220-242, which illustrates the largest collection of Portico Tapestries, woven in the mid 17^th century, many of which are noted as being Brussels and possibly Oudenaarde in manufacture. All have distinctive twisted figural and twisted, fluted Solomonic columns, which are not included in the presently offered tapestry, flanking an internal column supported portico, some of which are on plinth base and with trellis canopies, or an elaborate architrave and dentil compostion. Many have a top border with exuberant, ribbon held fruit swags centred by sculptural cartouches containing landscapes.

This tapestry is not lined. Old cotton sleeve across the top, for a pole for hanging purposes. Recommended that tapestry is lined and applied with Velcro for hanging purposes in the future. There is a patch to the top right corner. There are areas of repair overall, for example to the border pastoral cartouches. Areas of brown weave have repairs or have been rewoven. Composite tapestry. Good overall, stable condition. Versatile size. Charming details to the floral ground.
"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."