BRUSSELS, POSSIBLY BY JAN II RAES, FIRST QUARTER 17TH CENTURY | historical tapestry

Old lining. Reduced and bottom border lacking. Some moth damage. Restoration throughout including cream colored silk areas (some silks are dry). Some open warps particularly, in clothing of standing figure. Lower selvage later. Splits throughout particularly in sky and upper edge of inner guard. Should have some attention from a conservator, but lovely quality. Good colors.
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.

The borders on this tapestry are very similar to those on a set of The Story of Decius Mus in the Spanish Royal collection that are signed by Jan II Raes and Jacob II Geubels (d. 1629) (in P. Junquera de Vega and C. Diaz Gallegos, Catalogo de Tapices del Patrimonio Nacional, Madrid, 1986, vol. II, cat. 52, pp. 89-97). Jan II Raes is also known to have used identical borders on other tapestry sets. Raes belonged to one of the most important Brussels weaver's dynasties active between 1580 and 1650. He was granted the privileges in 1613 and 1629 and was burgomaster of Brussels 1634-35 (G. Delmarcel, Flemish Tapestry, Tielt, 1999, p. 368).