Tapisserie de Paris, faubourg Saint-Marcel, atelier de François de La Planche, représentant une chasse au faucon, de la série "Les Chasses du Roi François Ier" d'époque Louis XIII, début du XVIIe siècle

représentant une chasse au faucon ; dans une bordure à motif de grotesques, coquilles et rinceaux ; (usures et retissages)

M. Fenaille, Etat Général des tapisseries des Gobelins, Paris, 1923, vol. 1

Lisses et Délices, Chefs-d'Oeuvre de la tapisserie de Henri IV à Louis XIV, Cat. Expo. Caisse Nationale des Monuments historiques et des sites, 1996

The illustration is too greenish and pale; the real colours are warmer. The condition is pretty fine, the colours have been quite well preserved. Attractive composition. Some areas are worn and slightly torn; it has to be refixed. There are areas which have been slightly rewoven as the side of the tree and the branches on the left side. The borders have been certainly cut and reduced in height which indicates that the central scene could also have been reduced in dimension. The tapestry will benefit a cleaning and a restoration. Having said that, the subject is attractive and the overall condition pretty fine.
"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."

Franz van den Planken s'est installé à Paris avec son associé Marc de Commans, à la fin du XVIe siècle en réponse à l'invitation faite par Henri IV qui désirait accueillir en France des lissiers flamands pour rivaliser avec les productions de Bruxelles et Bruges.

Le catalogue de l'exposition Lisses et Délices (op.cit), dans le chapitre consacré à la série des Chasses du Rois François Ier, discute largement cette série et ses sources iconographiques ainsi que les différentes bordures réalisées.

Des bordures identiques se retrouvent sur des tapisseries à scènes de chasse, La Chasse au léopard et les Oiseleurs, vendues chez Sotheby's à Londres, le 21 juin 1963, lots 106 et 107.