woven with a battle scene and Alexander centred on his white horse, surrounded by fighting figures, reduced in size, lacking border, with later banded selvedges

Overall measurements: 256cm across the top, 258cm across the bottom, 238cm along the left side, 241cm along the right side. Fragment from larger tapestry, reduced in size, now lacking border, with later banded selvedges. Mounted onto later natural coloured linen backing, with Velcro attached across the top for hanging purposes. In stable professionally restored condition. There are some repairs overall. For example see area of black reweaving where old threads o xidised, to the horse on the ground in the lower right corner. There are other areas of repair in dark brown areas, some visible as spot terracotta coloured areas. There are repairs in areas of light coloured highlights, and to some of detailing such as eyes. Colour generally good and balanced overall. Coarse to fine weave in faces, some charming details. Dynamic composition. Very stable restored condition, clean, lined and ready to hang.
"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."

The principal series was first woven at the Gobelins manufactory, Paris, circa 1665, and consisted of five episodes especially commissioned by Louis XIV from Charles Le Brun. The Crossing of Granicus, The Battle of Arbela, The Family of Darius, Alexander and Porus and The Triumph of Alexander. The tapestries were prolifically reproduced and simplified in design when woven by other workshops including those in Aubusson and Felletin. The borders often incorporated military trophies and flowers, against a dark brown ground, see a comparable weaving, with border, Sotheby's, Park Bernet, New York, 30 May 1980, lot 568, and see another, within a scrolling ribbon and floral border, Göbel, Heinrich, Die Wandteppiche, 1928, Part II, Vol.ii, no. 263.