Zephyr and Flora, A Regence mythological tapestry, Gobelins manufactory, from Ovid's Metamorphoses, after Louis de Boulogne, circa 1720

the winged god of the west wind crowning Flora with a chaplet of flowers, a winged cupid beside her with a basket of flowers, in four-sided frame pattern border

Maurice Fenaille, Etat général des tapisseries de la Manufacture de Gobelins, Vol. III, Paris, 1904, VI. Tenture des Metamorphoses, par divers peintres, pp.121-132, for the thirteen subjects of this series. Fenaille records a set of seven Metamorphoses tapestries woven for the King 1715-1720 including a piece of Zephyr and Flora from the workshop of Etienne Le Blond. Fenaille also notes (p.131) the existence in 1900 of three other weavings of this subject not including the present example on the evidence of the dimension given there. There were two variations of this composition, the first as in the present example showing Zephyr crowning Flora and a cupid with a basket of flowers; the second with Flora handing a rose to Zephyr with a basket of flowers resting on a cloud between them. An almost identical weaving of the first design in the same frame-pattern border is in the Cleveland Museum of Art.

Colours of the catalogue photograph are tonally a fairly accurate match with the tapestry, however they are not as strident in reality, but more subdued and the border is not as bright as appears in right and left border, but is more the colour of the top border in reality. Generally good condition overall. There are some areas of weakness to the light areas, which are commensurate with age. For example there are minor splits, with the warps showing, in the areas of the dress, the clouds (upper section and lower section) and area in the sky. The lower border is a later addition with later blue selvedge. There are some horizontal splits opening up between the top border and the main tapestry, at the colour change. There is a horizontal split in the lower right corner, between colour change of border and blue selvedge. The lower narrow border and lower strip in the lower corners is 19th century reweaving (as visible in the photograph), to match the other borders. Hessian has been added to the top and side edges. The original dark blue selvedge has been turned under on all four sides. It is lined with two layers of cotton lining which are open along the lower edge. It is recommended that Velcro and professional lining are attached to the back for hanging in the future.
"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."