- 103
A Large Brussels Historical Tapestry of the Continence of Scipio, from the Stories of Scipio and Hannibal, by the workshop of Franz van Maelsaeck second quarter 17th century
Estimate
12,000 - 18,000 USD
bidding is closed
Description
- wool, silk
- 13 ft. 10 in. by 12. ft 9 in.; 4.22 m by 3.89 m.
Condition
Restoration throughout. Losses to silks and open warps throughout. Splits throughout. Lined and with fabric loops. Good, somewhat faded colors. Color compared to catalogue illustration: warmer than illustrated. Blues are more true and reds are less pink/orange 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
Scipio in the center preparing to release the maiden to her fiancée, within a broad border of fruiting vines interspersed with mythological and allegorical figures and cartouches with landscapes, weavers mark on lower right corner, F.V MAELSAECK on center of lower selvage and Brussels town mark on left lower selvage.
RELATED LITERATURE
D. Boccara, les belles heures de la tapisserie, 1971.
J.P. Asselberghs, Chefs-d'oeuvre de la tapisserie flamande, Culan, 1971, pp.26-27.
Two tapestries from the same suite of five pieces were in the collection of the Marquis Curzon of Kedleston. See Boccara (op.cit., no. 130) for another tapestry of the identical subject.
This espisode from the life of the Roman general Scipio, recounted in Livy 26:50 and Petrarch's Africa 4: 375-388, depicts his legendary act of leniency. After capturing the Spanish city of New Carthage during the Second Punic War, he was awared a beautiful maiden as his prize. Upon hearing that the girl was betrothed, he returned her to her fiancé unharmed and lectured on the integrity of the Romans.