A Louis XV Hunting Tapestry, Aubusson mid-18th century

woven with a seated couple underneath a tree, the male holding a parasol over his companion, before them a hunting party passes, with two equestrian huntsmen and a running huntservant, all wearing red hunting coats and tricorn hats, the hounds having pulled a stag to the ground, as it crosses the river, set within interspersed trees, the foreground with small shrubs, the riverbank with flowering plants, the river meandering into the distance where buildings can be seen at the base of a mountain range, within an associated four-sided gold and terracotta interlocking chain link border with corner clasps, with a later blue outer selvedge; cut and joined left side, reduced in height, turned under behind the top border 

See Chevalier, Tapisseries d'Aubusson et de Felletin, Paris, 1988, pg.97, for an illustration of a similar, though more complete hunting tapestry, depicting equestrian figures and huntservants on foot, hounds having trapped the stag at the riverbank, it is within a colourful four-sided floral border. This piece also has similar trees to those included in the offered lot.  

Sotheby's, London, 12^th December 1979, lot 21, for a version of the above published tapestry, with similar grouping of equestrian figures and running figure blowing curved hunting horn, in a banded and interspersed floral spray border.  

Colour tonally good match with the tapestry, though not as dark. The later outer selvedge is a dark blue. Greens are lighter and more attractive. Detail photograph is a colour good match. Coarse weave. Faded colour generally. Tapestry is not lined, and it is recommended that it should be in order to hang the piece correctly. Old velcro attached to top and sides. Extra section/flap of tapestry tucked under the top border, across the width of the tapestry. Cut and joined left side, reduced in height, turned under behind the top border. The light areas to the hounds, stag, clothing are predominantly old silk and there are areas of wear and thread loss, revealing warp threads, which would need some attention, especially the knees of seated female figure far left and bag of front equestrian figure. Hole leg of hound and to the area between flowers and the tail of the front hound. Sky is stable. Foliage stable. Browns with specks of warps showing, commensurate with the age and this colour dye used. See the brown foreground. Some small repair in foliage, see top right corner (old moth damage), speckles of different colour. There are splits between the narrow inner borders, the main top and bottom border and the main tapestry, in sections between the different bands. These have opened up and will need to be repaired. There is a longer section across the bottom section, between the golden narrow border and the upper edge of the main border, and a section above the inner narrow border and the main tapestry. These splits can easily be repaired (particularly as the piece is presently not lined). Not being lined makes it more fragile when hanging. Recommend lining for long term hanging. Good size. Charming subject matter.
"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."