An Aubusson landscape tapestry third quarter 17th century

woven with a river landscape and shepherd, shepherdess and sheep, with distinctive buildings, within a four-sided frame pattern border, with later outer selvedges

See Dominique Chevalier, Les Tapisseries d' Aubusson et de Felletin, Paris, 1988, p.122 for a tapestry of the similar composition, circa 1740-1750, in a frame pattern border distinctive of François Grellet, and similar tapestry sold at Sotheby's, London, 13th December 1968, lot 18. See Sotheby's London, 22nd November 1963, lot 98 for a wider composition incorporating buildings in a landscape, with the coat- of-arms of Count Heinrich Bruhl (1700-1763) of Saxony (Chief Minister to Augustus Ill, King of Poland and Elector of Saxony), and marked M.R.DAUBUSSON. P. MONTEZER (Pierre Montezer is recorded as having worked at the Aubusson manufactory in 1733). The border of this tapestry is similar to those mentioned above which are attributed to Grellet.

The catalogue photograph has not shown the four-sided frame pattern border, which is present. In restored condition. Some repairs and reweaving. Some oxidisation to the browns, stable but discoloured sky, with some small marks, some hand cobbled repairs in areas, for example to the light coloured highlight areas. Decorative tapestry.
"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."