woven within a three sided border (lacking lower border)

Professionally cleaned and restored at De Wit, Mechelen, Belgium, in 2001 (and bearing their workshop label on the reverse lining)

Restored at De Wit, Mechelen, Belgium, in 2001. (Not been hanging since restored). Therefore clean, stable, and with Velcro applied across the top edge for hanging purposes. Colours are attractive and vibrant. There are old repairs and reweaves, especially along the lower edge, where there are repairs where the design does not match up. The lower border is lacking. This is a very decorative tapestry with good colour balance, and a usable size, as not too high.
"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."

See Sternberg, Charles, Verdure Tapestry Exhibition, 26 May - 14 June 1983, Vigo-Sternberg Galleries, London, No.24., for a comparable weaving, of a landscape tapestry, with a river in the background and church, and eagle, hare and hound in the foreground (approximately 250 by 445cm), described as Flemish, 17th century. The border type is very similar, incorporating the blue container of flowers in the centre of the top border, flanked by small Corinthian columns, and similar use of golden scrolls and blue vases with exuberant flowers. The cited piece includes a lower border, which is of narrower format than the top border, and filled with flowers and foliage, and present in the lower corners of the vertical borders, are circular plinths with bluer ribbon surrounds, which are lacking underneath the vases in the present weaving. Baroque 17th century Verdure tapestries were very popular and were woven from cartoons which were repeatedly used and it is therefore not always possible to date them exactly, and they were woven in various provincial weaving centres including Oudenaarde which was very prosperous at this time. French workshops also produced Verdures during this period, in the Flemish style, as many were woven by Flemish immigrant weavers, that stayed and worked successfully in Aubusson and Felletin workshops.