A Flemish Allegorical Tapestry, probably Brussels early 17th century

woven with large mythological figures, with Diana and attendant disarming Cupid of his bow and quiver, set within an architectural surround flanked by corinthian columns with scrolling floral trails tied with ribbon, the architrave centred with a blue cabochon flanked by floral swags, with later three sided banded yellow and blue outer selvedge

Colours not as strident and defined as in the photograph. In reality softer and more attractive. The colour of this tapestry is very good in reality overall. The tapestry is in very good restored condition, and repairs have been professionally instigated. There are some repairs to the silk highlights, which is commensurate with age. There are areas of rewoven repair, for example to the sides of the borders, see top left corner, where there is a vertical rectangle of repair, visible as a differing colour. Some repairs to the earth area along the bottom of the tapestry composition. There are some areas of reweaving around the edges of the columns. Probable that the lower border was damaged in the past and removed. This does not detract from the balance of the composition. There is a four-sided selvedge around the whole tapestry, not so clearly seen in the catalogue image. Some sections of selvedge are later. This tapestry is of a versatile size, very decorative and of dynamic compostion with charming details.
"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."

For a collection of Baroque tapestries of mythological subjects, including the Story of Venus and the Tribulations of Cupid, circa 1630, the later woven by workshop of Frans van den Hecke, see the Catàlogo de Tapices del Patrimonio Nacional, Madrid, 1986, Vol. II, Serie 65, pp.268- 274. They have similar figural groupings, with cupid as the main protagonist, set within architectural border surrounds, albeit with different border designs.   This collection also illustrates examples of contemporary Brussels tapestries, circa 1630, with this distinctive and virtually identical border type, surrounding portico compositions, which show that the lower border, lacking on the present tapestry, would include the plinth base on which each column is supported and a repeat design of the top border, centred with the blue cabochon, ibid.pp.185-197.