A Flemish Classical Tapestry, Brussels, from The Story of Cyrus late 16th century

woven depicting large figures of King Cyrus and attendants in the foreground, with varoius equestrian figures in the background landscape setting overseeing troops with wheelbarrows and others digging to divert the course of the Euphrates river, an act in his battle against the Babylonians, which resulted in his victory, within an elaborate four-sided border with alternating allegorical figures, groups of fruit and flowers, and central cartouches enclosing figures in landscapes, the border includes elaborate strapwork vases and small putti and the lower border incorporates putti riding on turtles and sphinxes, with further narrow inner and outer scrolling ribbon and stylised floral motif borders; sections of border associated, wtih later blue selvedge

See Sotheby's, London, 29th February 1996, lot 17, for a Classical Tapestry, possibly from the Story of Cyrus and depicting Cyrus receiving tribute from the Lydians, late 16th century, which has a very similar border, with the turtles and sphinxes in opposite corners. Possibly Oudenaarde, rather than Antwerp. A Fragment of a tapestry, was offered at Sotheby's, London, 23rd May 1986, lot 9, which depicts the same standing figures in the presently offered tapestry, of the crowned King Cyrus (identical) and similar attendants, and showed digging figures in the background, and the fragment of top border was woven with narrative cartouche, identifying the subject. It was lacking any border, and was dated late 17th century, the border being Baroque in style, and was most likely to have been from a Brussels workshop.

It has been lined with Velcro attached across the top for hanging purposes. Colours warmer and more subdued and more attractive in reality. Colours not so strident. There is more definition in reality in overall appearance. It is a finely woven wool and silk panel. There are some repairs, particularly to the border. Commensurate with age, there are some repairs to areas of light highlights and silks. Some wear in areas such as those of brown weave such as the hair. Minor areas of warp threads showing in places. Discolouration to flesh tones and sky, commensurate with tapestries of this age. Some old repairs to light areas, commensurate with age. This detailed tapestry has balanced composition and colour, with a decorative associated border with charming details such as the putti riding on turtles. Tapestry is in good overall condition.
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