A Brussels historical tapestry from a series of the Trojan War, attributed to the workshop of Jacob Geubels late 16th century

depicting the Oath of the Suitors, Helen standing to the right of center before a sacrificial fire, the suitors standing to the left with a crowd of warriors behind, gesturing as they take their oath, several of them dipping their swords in a low basin, their ships moored in the distance, with Tyndareus looking on seated upon a throne before his palace in the center background, the border decorated with rich bouquets of flowers and fruit and the figures of Pallas, Venus and Cupid, Juno, and Discordia, a reserve in the center of the top border inscribed: PERFIDIAM VITVRVM SE IVRAT LESVS ATRIDES ET MENELAO DAT GRECIA TOTA FIDEM, Brussels town mark at lower left corner of selvage, weaver's mark at lower right selvage.

Lined. Very well-done restorations throughout. Some of the selvage is later. Silks somewhat dry. Some open warps, needs cleaning. Color tone lighter and less red overall than catalogue photo. Reduced on the left and in the border.
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.

See Textiles: The Isabella Stewart Gardener Museum, Boston, 1986, no. 11 for a similar series.

When it was time for Helen to marry, her father Tyndareus, King of Sparta, feared that choosing one of her suitors over the others would lead to quarrelling among the many powerful warriors who had come to seek her hand.  Odysseus, hoping to secure Tyndareus's assistance in his courtship of Penelope, proposed that the suitors should take an oath to defend whichever husband Helen chose against any other of her admirers.  This plan succeeded and Menelaus and Helen were married.  Years later, when Paris brought Helen to Troy, the other suitors would be called upon to uphold their oath.