A Flemish late Gothic tapestry of Saint Catherine of Alexandria, early 16th century

woven with gold and silver, silk and wool threads, with the arms of the Resteau family of Hainaut and Amsterdam; within later giltwood frame.

Robert Woods Bliss, Dumbarton Oaks, Washington, D.C.
Dr. Preston Pope Satterwaite, Great Neck, New York
French & Company, New York
Acquired by the present owners from the above circa 1964

Great Periods of Tapestry, Allentown, Pennsylvania, February 3-28, 1961

Overall good colors with some minor fading. Very minor restorations. Silver threads tarnished (in her bodice, crown, parts of king, sword, and armorial device). Some areas of later selvage. Lined with linen and stretched within later frame.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Saint Catherine stands beside the broken, spiked wheel on her right emblematic of her martyrdom; the recumbent figure of Maximilian II, whose posture symbolizes the triumph of Christianity over paganism, is below on her left. The Resteau family, whose device is woven in the upper right corner, may have donated or commissioned the tapestry.
The architectural framework is reminiscent of the type seen on Tournai tapestries of the later 15th century.