An English tapestry depicting Saint Paul Preaching to the Athenians, after a design by Raphael late 17th/early 18th century, Mortlake

with Mortlake factory mark sewn into later selvage.

Palais Galliéra sale, June 17, 1970, lot 63
Salander-O'Reilly Galleries, New York

Lined with velcro. Standard restoration throughout, particularly in majority of light-colored silk areas. Very minor splits. Very minor patching in border. Some moth holes in lower fifth. Later selvage incorporating original factory mark on lower right side. Ready to hang. Colors much brighter in life, and better detail in faces.
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.

RELATED LITERATURE
Guy Delmarcel, Flemish Tapestry, New York, 2000, pp. 142-146
W.G. Thomson, Tapestry Weaving in England, London, 1914, pp. 72-74

The design for this tapestry was ordered in 1514 by Pope Leo X de'Medici from Raphael as part of a set of ten for the Sistine Chapel. This series is traditionally called the Acts of the Apostles, illustrating episodes from the lives of St. Peter and St. Paul, including two scenes from the Gospels in addition to the Acts. The series was enormously popular through the late 18th century, and duplicate sets were made in Brussels, England, and France for clients including Ercole Gonzaga of Mantua, whose set is one of the finest and earliest surviving examples.
Raphael's original cartoons were purchased in Genoa in 1623 by then Prince Charles (later King Charles I) for the Mortlake manufactory near London. Of the original ten cartoons, seven have survived in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum. When these cartoons were woven at Mortlake, new, more modern border designs were created, likely by the head designer at Mortlake, Francis Crane, though they are often attributed to Anthony Van Dyck.