A Flemish Old Testament Biblical Tapestry, probably Brussels late 16th century

elaborately woven as narrative tapestry with central figural scene, above a separated lower narrative panel, all within a deep compartmentalised border with architectural motifs, enclosing alternating standing figures, fruiting groups in strapwork motif, and various biblical scenes within shaped cartouches, with narrow outer blue and gold strapwork outer border and further unusual outer frame border surround, the original blue selvedge with the weaver's mark, W.*.P, top right corner

This is a very finely woven tapestry, of dynamic composition, balanced composition and colour. The tapestry has a light weight natural coloured cotton lining. Recommend new lining and Velcro to be attached across the top for future hanging purposes. Colours in reality are crisp and attractive. The colours are still good overall, with greens still of variety of shades. Some pink still showing in areas, albeit now faded. Charming balance of use of colour - pink against yellow in details of architectural surrounds and materials of clothing. Faces are discoloured which is commensurate with age. The outer side selvedges and top selvedge are original indigo blue. The lower selvedge is a later modern green section applied underneath the shaped sculptural edge of the tapestry, and on top of the cotton lining. The tapestry edge is attached to this green selvedge. There is an area, horizontally across the lower section of the tapestry which has a series of holes, mostly visible as white areas, as lining behind is visible, however some holes go through the supporting lining. For example to the left of the tapestry there is a hole in the ear of the elephant, and along at this height there are other holes, for example within the group of figures to the right of the elephants, then to the figure in the cloud, the sky above distant beilding to the right of the horse. Some smaller than others, all in need of consolidation. They are not immediately noticeable, due to the richness and detail of the composition. This is a very attractive and detailed early tapestry, in a beautiful and unusual border surround.
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