A Renaissance tapestry, Brussels first quarter 16th century

woven in wool and silk, within a four-sided floral and foliate border on a blue ground

A.S. Drey, Munich (forced sale: Paul Graupe, Berlin, 17th-18th June 1936, Nr. 488; illustrated in the catalogue); 
Bayerisches Nationalmuseum, Munich;
Restituted to the A.S. Drey heirs in 2012

This tapestry is not lined and it is recommended that it should be in the future for hanging purposes, with Velcro attached across the top. Light areas of drapery to three of the major figures are later 19th century reweaving, and there are other areas of reweaving, patching and repair (including to the background on the right hand side). Top right and lower right corners have areas of reweaving, visible through the tree in the corner and shrubs bottom right. There are small repairs overall. Hand repair stitches visible on reverse. For example highlights to hair of figures. Not too large. Balanced composition and colouring overall. Fine quality weaving and lovely border detailing, which even with a few repairs is largely extant, with some repaired sections within the narrow inner and outer banded areas. It it in stable, restored condition. It is in good company academically and historically as this style and date of piece are in museum collections and examples that have appeared at auction have been from notable collections.
"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."

See catalogue note at Sothebys.com.