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

woven depicting Priam Greeting Helen who has been snatched by Paris, within an elaborate four-sided border, the top border centred with rectangular strapwork and lion mask framed entablature with Latin narrative on blue ground, RAPTAM AB ALEXANDRO HELENA M MENELAI CONIVGEM PRIAMVS PATER FESTINVS EXCIPIT (Priam Greeting Helen who has been snatched by Paris), incorporating further elaborate groupings of fruit and foliage with scrolling tendrils and strapwork, with allegorical figures with associated attributes and Latin banderoles, including Caritas in both side borders, Sol, Luna, Prudentia and Spes along the lower border, chariots pulled in reverse of previous tapestry, with Sol by the pair of eagles on the left and Luna by the pair of horses on the right, on a cream ground, with further narrow inner and outer scrolling ribbon and stylised floral motif borders, on a cerise ground, with a four-sided blue outer selvedge, the bottom right corner woven with the initials CB, and the top right corner with monogram; lacking B*B town mark as that section of the selvedge is later

See footnote to previous lot, which is a companion piece from the same series.

Tapestry is partially lined with old hessian. Old hoops across the top. Restoration stitches attached to patches of it applied to back. Recommend that tapestry is re-lined with Velcro attached to the top edge for future hanging purposes. Blue outer four-sided selvedge largely original with some later sections, and lacking B*B town mark as this section of the selvedge is later. The tapestry would benefit from attention. There are old repairs (consolidated stitched areas in some parts). Old repairs to light areas, highlights and grounds, commensurate with age. Areas of distress with warps showing, which could be repaired before re-lined. Worn areas, for example to areas of brown weave. Areas with small dark areas and small holes, for example top left of sky and to the horse on right, as visible. Flesh tones discoloured, which is commensurate with age. Colours faded. Latin banderoles faded in border, with lettering partially visible. Very finely woven and detailed composition. Sonme beautiful examples of technique to detailed composition, such as eccentric weave and hachures. Decorative and detailed original borders, which are dirty and distressed in areas, visible in photograph along lower border. Old horizontal fold visible across the lower border. Historic series. Tapestry bears weavers marks
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