Lot 353
  • 353

A Flemish Metamorphosis Mythological Tapestry probably Antwerp, last quarter 17th century

Estimate
10,000 - 15,000 EUR
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Description

  • 265 by 240cm.
oven with a landscape setting, with classical buildings flanking the scene and in the background, depicting a Jovian amorous subject from The Story of Argus and Io, Ovid's Metamorphoses (Book I, v.613-658), and showing the transformed princess Io as a white heifer, standing next to the river bank, and guarded by the central figure of Argus, with the guiding Goddess Juno overhead upon her cloudburst, all within a sculptural border with cartouches and strapwork, interspersed with pendant floral swags, some held by blue ribbon, and other foliate swags, trophies of love depicted as quivers, doves and red cabochon, each corner with a figure, all on an eau-de-nil ground, and later tan coloured selvedge

Condition

Lower border needs to be re-stitched in a better way. Otherwise in good condition.
"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."

Catalogue Note

Io, the daughter of Inachus, first King of Argos, was seduced by Jupiter in the form of a cloudburst and then on his wife Juno discovered this amorous pursuit and Jupiter turned Io into a white heifer by Jupiter to protect her but without success as Juno then requests a gift of the heifer from her husband who could not refuse and Io is given to the the hundred-eyed giant Argus in the guise of a shepherd to be guarded, but who is in turn killed by Mercury sent by Jupiter. However Io is pursued and tormented by a gadfly sent by Juno.