A FLEMISH MYTHOLOGICAL TAPESTRY 'CEPHALUS AND PROCRIS', LATE 17TH/EARLY 18TH CENTURY

A FLEMISH MYTHOLOGICAL TAPESTRY 'CEPHALUS AND PROCRIS'LATE 17TH/EARLY 18TH CENTURY, PROBABLY ANTWERPThe figures bearing the emblematic foreshadowing devices of the spear and the arrow, in a verdure settingapproximately 177cm x 126cm Provenance: Offered on behalf of a Charitable Foundation This tapestry depicts part of the story of 'Cephalus and Procris' from book seven of Ovid's Metamorphosis. The Walters Art Museum in Baltimore has in its collection a suite of four tapestries depicting the story of the ill-fated lovers. It describes the tale as 'a parable of the misfortunes caused by a lack of marital trust and fidelity'. In this panel Procris gives her husband a spear that Artemis (goddess of the hunt) had given to her. In composition, colour and style it also bears strong kinship with a painting depicting the same subject, and of a similar date, by Gerard Hoet (1648-1733), see Sotheby's, Olympia, Old Master Paintings, 6th July 2004, Lot 433. Condition Report: The tapestry with the expected fading over. Tapestry has been re-lined and a later border added. The border with fraying, wear and some losses. Some later stitching between the colour lines of the tapestry. Some small tears resulting in loose threads. Some small amounts of later stitching in places. Some of the joins between the colour lines are opening. Please refer to additional images for visual reference to condition. Condition Report Disclaimer