THE ROAD TO CALVARY, A RARE FLEMISH NEW TESTAMENT BIBLICAL TAPESTRY FRAGMENT, NETHERLANDS, POSSIBLY TOURNAI, FROM THE SERIES OF THE LIFE OF CHRIST AND THE VIRGIN, DESIGNER UNKNOWN, EARLY 16TH CENTURY, CIRCA 1505-1516

THE ROAD TO CALVARY, A RARE FLEMISH NEW TESTAMENT BIBLICAL TAPESTRY FRAGMENT, NETHERLANDS, POSSIBLY TOURNAI, FROM THE SERIES OF THE LIFE OF CHRIST AND THE VIRGIN, DESIGNER UNKNOWN, EARLY 16TH CENTURY, CIRCA 1505-1516

woven in wool, depicting Christ carrying the cross in the procession on the road to Calvalry, with the Virgin Mary collapsed on the road side, the figures extending into the distant hills, past buildings and onlookers in the upper colonnade, the scene flanked by narrow copper coloured Corinthian all' antica columns on pedestal supports, linked across the top by a strip of dark brown with copper coloured motifs, and the lower edge with a light copper coloured band with leaf motifs, and supporting a small shield the coat-of-arms (la crosse en pal) of the French d'Amboise family, with a bishop's crosier, and flanked further along the lower edge with two drop scallop shell motifs, the insignia of St James, reduced in size
approximately 148cm high, 191cm wide, 4ft. 10in., 6ft. 3in.

Condition Report:
Overall measurements: 191cm across the top, 189.5cm across the bottom, 148cm along the left side, 147cm along the right side

This tapestry is lined and has old hessian and hoops across the top. It is recommended that Velcro is attached across the top for hanging in the future. The panel has been slightly reduced in height and width.

The tapestry has been professionally restored. There are areas of small repairs and areas of reweaving. For example within the blue robe of Mary Magdalene, where it appears darker, and their respective dark blue areas in the hood of the lady in the top right corner are later, and the there are other areas of this colour which are later in accessories. The foot of Mary Magdalene is later. The dark burgundy highlights in folds of the robe of Christ seem later, and the robe generally is a different colour hence emphasising the difference and this is because of fading. On the reverse the robe is a rich raspberry/burgundy colour, now faded. There are repairs in small areas of the dark brown and terracotta repair in other areas. There are some repairs in the left hand side, to the lower section of cross held by the figure on the far left edge, and visible in the white robe, and border in the area nearby. In addition, in details, the mouths and faces have some repairs, probably to give them some definition, and some of darker outlines are later, see for example edges of fold of textile over the arm of the lady in the far right side. There is a later section of reweaving to the narrow border in the top right corner, and the top left corner tip including main design of sky is later. There are old repairs in the blue sky, and the white sky, especially in the top right corner, and around the SPQR banner. The lower edge is distressed and has inset section in lower left corner.

There is very good colour balance overall. It has been very finely woven and there are areas of exceptionally well executed early tapestry technique. Overall appearance is balanced. Overall in sound and stable professionally restored condition. This is a very interesting historical 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."

Provenance:
Jacques d'Amboise (d.1516), Bishop of Clermont (1505), Clermont Cathedral;

Basilevsky Collection;

Gallery Boccara, France.