A Brussels tapestry of the Elders Conducted to the Place of Justice, from the story of the Chaste Susanna circa 1525

Hôtel Drouot, Paris, April 10, 1907
Collection of Raoul Heilbronner, Galerie Georges Petit, Paris, June 23, 1921, lot 245
with Frank Partridge, London, by 1928
Mrs. Samuel P. Rotan, donated 1959

The British Antique Dealers' Association, Exhibition of Art Treasures, the Grafton Galleries, London, April 30-May 26, 1928, no. 222

Heinrich Göbel, Wandteppiche: Die Niederlande, Leipzig, 1923, vol. II, no. 578

Restoration throughout to majority of cream colored silks (i.e. light colored areas of most of the drapery), some minor in-painting on restored drapery, other standard restorations, and patching. Some losses and minor open warps. Some fading but good colors overall. Colors much warmer in catalogue, lighter and more detailed in reality. Old lining. Very fine quality.
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.

The story of Susanna occurs in the Book of Daniel and recounts an episode in the life of a righteous Jewish woman who refuses to submit to the desire of two elder judges of Babylon. Susanna is accused of adultery and condemned to death. The young Daniel, a Judean nobleman who had been taken captive by the Babylonians, demands to question each of the elders separately. This scene is shown on the left in this weaving. When their accounts of the crime differ, Susanna is exonerated and the elders are sent to be stoned to death by the angry townspeople, shown here on the right.