A Flemish Mythological Tapestry, from The Story of Ariane and Bacchus, Oudenaarde early 18th century and later

woven within a four-sided narrow golden frame pattern border

Measurements now 437cm wide across the top, 437cm. across the bottom, 278cm high left side, 276cm high right side; This tapestry is lined, and has Velcro attached across the top and up both sides, for hanging and placement against a wall. The top border has been tucked under (approximately 1cm) in small sections in the top left and top right corners. The lower right corner of the border is cut and joined, and there are areas of later reweaving in the border (visible as the darker sections of colour). There are areas of reweaving, for example to the light highlight areas, especially of clothes and to the paths around the formal lake (centre left of tapestry). The area of terracotta between the two dancing foreground figures is later reweaving. There is some oxidisation to the browns, commensurate with dye colour and age, visible in some areas as white flecks of foundation warps in these brown areas. There are also areas of rewoven repair within these brown areas, for example across the foreground. This tapestry has been professionally restored in the past. It is therefore in very stable condition. It would benefit from cleaning/airing. The colours are balanced and bright and cheerful. It is very decorative.
"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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For two similar comparable weavings of this subject matter, both woven by an Oudenaarde workshop, one within a golden frame pattern border with coat-of-arms (340 by 385cm), circa 1715, and an additional satyr and maenad to the right of the fountain, and another weaving within a flowering and fruit filled border, with a woodland landscape rather than the formalised garden, (335 by 305cm), circa 1700, see I. De Meuter, Tapisseries d’Audenarde du XVI au XVIII Siècle, 1999, pp.225-226. 

For an earlier Brussels weaving of this classical subject, late 17^th century, workshop of Jacob van der Borght, after designs by Lodewijk van Schoor, inspired by the Triumph of Bacchus and Ariadne, painted by Annibale Carracci in the ceiling vault of the Galleria Farnese, see The Margraves and Archdukes of Baden, Neues Schloss, Baden-Baden, Sotheby’s, 5-21^st October 1995, Vol.I, 6^th October, lot 1041. The composition incorporates Silenus on the donkey on the left of the composition and putti flying above the chariot, and is set in a landscape setting.