`Judgement of Solomon', A Franco/Flemish Old Testament Biblical Tapestry, late 16th/early 17th century

woven with the crowned King Solomon seated on his elaborately lion arm throne, on a carpet covered stepped dias with columns and swag behind, and distant buildings and trees seen in the background beyond the colonnade, with standing attendants at his side and armed soldier holding up one of the children over which there is the dispute between two women before him, the true mother beseaching that the child is not killed, as the loss of one child is enough (I Kings 3: 16-28); woven within a three sided partially associated border, incorporating scrolling golden and blue acanthus leaves and strapwork `c'-scrolls in blue and green, with groupings of pairs of trumpets, fish, battons and scales, scallop-shells and each top corner with a sculptural cartouche enclosing a blue cabochon centred with a pierced heart in the left corner, and palm fronds and fruit in the right corner, the right cartouche surmounted by a coronet, all against a dark brown ground, with yellow narrow outer selvedge; lacking lower border, which has narrow banded brown and yellow border;

This tapestry is lined and has Velcro attached across the top for hanging. The left hand border has been cut and joined, and is of horizontal composition in a vertical position (matches with the horizontal border across the top) and perhaps was originally along the bottom. It does not detract from the overall balanced appearance. Outer narrow brown band of selvedge tucked under visible tapestry on left and right sides. Some repair and reweaving in areas, commensurate with age. For example to light areas of the higlights and to areas of brown. Flesh areas of figures generally discoloured, commensurate with age. This tapestry is a balanced composition with very good colour and balance. Beautiful early weaving technique in form of hachures and eccentric weave and details, especially to faces. Still subtle shades of green visible, blue to sky and flesh colours and pink highlights to faces. Advantage of blue and green visible in design elements of the border. Charming tapestry of versatile size and in good overall restored condition.
"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.
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