A Flemish classical mythological tapestry, probably Antwerp, possibly after Jan Boeckhorst, late 17th century

probably from The Story of Odysseus, woven with Odysseus and his companion being welcomed by the seated Circe, within an associated four-sided exuberant foliate and fruiting border; reduced in size

For a comparable set of five tapestries from the series The Story of Odysseus, see Sotheby's, Baden-Baden, 5-21 October 1995, lots 137-141 (provenance Schloss Karlsruhe), which were all within similar border types to that found on the present weaving, albeit with scallop shells in the corners. A wider weaving of the present subject, with extended landscape to the right of the composition, was sold as lot 140 in this cited sale.

See also Guy Delmarcel, Flemish Tapestry, 2000, pp 255; 259-261; 286, for further discussion of the Antwerp weavings of this subject and the similar compositional and figural weavings depicting The Story of Perseus, and discussion of the weavers including Jeremias Cockx, Cornelis de Wael, and Jacob van der Goten, and designers Pieter Ijkens. See also G. Delmarcel and I van Tichelen, La tapisserie des Pays-Bas Meridionaux sous l'Ancien Régime, Exhibition catalogue, Les Fresques mobile du Nord, Antwerp 5 March 1994- 5th June 1994, pp.61-67.

The image in the catalogue does not show the four-sided foliate border, which is present (and visible on-line). Tapestry is in professionally restored condition. Reduced in size. Border with joins in all four corners, reducing width. Probably associated borders of same period. Areas of repair and reweaving. For example to the central area of sky, which is later and in very stable condition. Some oxidisation to the brown, commensurate with age and colour of dye, visible in the lower right corner, and to the balustrade, which also has repairs and reweaving on close inspection. Repairs within the borders, and to faces. Tapestry is lined on the reverse. Decorative tapestry, with balanced colour and composition and versatile size, and charming subject. For extra photographs please contact the department: 0207 293 6441.
"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."