La Danse, A Late Louis XV Pastoral Tapestry, Aubusson third quarter 18th century

woven with figures seated outside at a tablecloth covered table, eating bread with wine, with dancing couples dancing to the fiddlers tune, and the cook from the Inn bringing forward a further dish to the table, all within a four-sided floral border

Tapestry is lined with blue cotton. It is recommended that relining is considered for further hanging purposes. There is presently narrow Velcro along the top edge. Original brown selvedge replaced with modern machine weave bands of yellow and green in areas, for example see far left side, bottom edge and top right corner. There are areas of reweaving and repair overall. The left hand side, has later rewoven repairs to the building and ground, clearly visible as terracotta coloured areas. There are splits in places and some areas where warps showing and areas in need of attention as distressed. There are splits for example above the buildings in the distance on the far right side. Generally faded and worn.
"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."

D. Chevalier, Tapisseries d'Aubusson et de Felletin, Paris, 1988, p.148, illustrates a similar tapestry, attributed to the workshop of Pierre Dumonteil (1732-1787), which is of wider dimensions and has a floral border of alternating floral and foliate sprigs with acanthus leaves, on a banded ground.

For other weavings of this subject sold at auction from notable House Sales, see The Property of Lord and Lady Hesketh, Easton Neston, Northamptonshire, Sotheby's, 17th-19th May 2005, lot 72, within a gold and red distinctive frame-pattern border and The Property of Lord and Lady de Saumerez, Shrubland Park, Suffolk, 19th-21st September 2006, lot 231, within a `c'-scroll and foliate border.