'Saul seeking his father's asses', A Flemish Old Testament Biblical Tapestry, from the Story of Saul, probably Antwerp 17th century

woven with figures of Saul, in flowing red robes, and a servant carrying a sack and a purse, on their way to meet the prophet Samuel, asking for assistance from women drawing water from a spring, refilling their urns; in the background, a horse laden with ewers being led by a peasant to a town (Ramah) up the hill, visible in the distance (Samuel 9:11); woven within a distinctive, four-sided floral border with swags tied with ribbons and centred with sculptural cartouches enclosing blue cabochons

Sawston Hall, Cambridgeshire
Previously on loan at Stonor Park, Oxfordshire

Another nearly identical tapestry, in a different, narrow floral four-sided floral border on a chestnut ground, with further maidens in the background was sold in these rooms, 29 June 2005, lot 207, and another similar weaving is recorded at Losely Park. Another weaving of the present subject, lacking a border, but with an integral swag of fruit and flowers and side columns, was sold Sotheby's, London, 13 May 1977, lot 8. For a weaving from the same set and therefore the same border, woven depicting Saul meeting the three men from the plain of Tabor, from the Story of Saul (I Samuel 10:3), see Sotheby's, London, 11 December 1992, lot 8, from Sawston Hall.

 

Measurements: 295cm. left side, 289cm. right side, 459cm. across the top and 457cm across the bottom. Old linen lining. Metal studs attached across the top edge. It is recommended that Velcro should be attached across the top edge for hanging purposes in the future. There is some oxidisation to the browns, and some repair, and reweaving in areas. Some areas of distress and lost wefts in areas of the light highlights, which will need some attention. Generally in stable, restored condition. Good size, and not too high. Very decorative tapestry.
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