- 701
A Flemish Historical Tapestry Representing King Mithridates VI, King of Pontus (120-63 B.C.) accepting gifts from warriors and servants first half 17th century
Estimate
5,000 - 7,000 USD
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Description
- wool
- 11 ft. by 13 ft. ; 3.35 m. by 3.96 m.
a cartouche at the center top of the tapestry with the inscription: Mithridates Avant La Bataille Gaingne Dor et Dargent Sans Nombre Luy Fut Presente ("Having won the battle, Mithridates was presented with innumerable gold and silver")
Provenance
with Robuck and Company, Atlanta;
from whom purchased by the present owner in May 2003.
from whom purchased by the present owner in May 2003.
Condition
Lined with loops. Slightly reduced. Entire right side border and right edge of inner panel (approximately 3-5 inches width) expertly rewoven. Restoration throughout, including most cream colored silk areas. Some large patches of restoration. Some splits and open warps. Actual color of tapestry is significantly better, brighter, and more golden in reality.
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.
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.
Catalogue Note
Mithridates VI of Pontus Eupator (120-63 BCE) was a ruler in Asia Minor who fought against the Roman Empire for control of Asia Minor. He is also known as the ‘Poison King’ for his cultivated immunity to various toxins and venoms. A notable interest in Mithridates arose during the 17th Century. In 1636, Gautier de Costes de La Calprenède staged his first play, La Mort de Mitridate. It was followed by Racine’s performance of his tragedy Mithridate in 1673. Mithridate gained popularity quickly, even becoming a favorite of Louis XIV and Charles XIII of Sweden.
A victorious Mithridates sits at the center of the tapestry, surrounded by his subjects, after having won a battle seen still raging in the background. The tapestry illustrates a classic scene of the spoils of war. The border features figures from Mithridates’s life including Monime, his second wife, and Philopoemen, his father-in-law. Monime’s presence could place this victory scene during the Second Mithridatic War.
A victorious Mithridates sits at the center of the tapestry, surrounded by his subjects, after having won a battle seen still raging in the background. The tapestry illustrates a classic scene of the spoils of war. The border features figures from Mithridates’s life including Monime, his second wife, and Philopoemen, his father-in-law. Monime’s presence could place this victory scene during the Second Mithridatic War.