A Flemish classical mythological tapestry, probably Antwerp late 17th century

from The Story of Odysseus, woven with Odysseus leaving Circe's palace and depicting the walking within a formal landscaped garden with a fountain, within a four-sided bronze coloured acanthus frame pattern border; reduced in size

Tapestry is in professionally restored condition. Reduced in size. Motifs towards the centres of the borders are not aligned. Border some weaving in four corners, reducing width. Areas of repair and reweaving. Small repairs in areas, for example to terracotta coloured edges of the blue robe of central female figure. Some oxidisation to browns, commensurate with dye, for example on the steps leading up to the fountain. Some reweaving to dark browns in areas, for example to the parasol, the pole of the parasol, the urn behind and the cape of the standing figure with the parasol, as visible in the photograph. Some repairs and weaknesses to areas of white/cream highlights, for example to the hair of the figures, the foam of the water and to the edges within the formal garden. See also some repairs to the sky, and white hand stitched areas of repair, and some minor horizontal splits in the sky towards the top of the composition, commensurate with the colour. See repair to the plinth of balustrade in left corner and reweaving of square support in lower left corner, not as noticeable in reality as in the photograph, and only visible on close inspection. 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."

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 had a weaving depicting Odysseus leaving the palace, and showing the two figures walking together. See the literature cited in the catalogue note to the previous lot.