An Aubusson wool and silk tapestry
19th century; Aubusson, France
Appears unmarked
Inspired by the 16th century "Les Chasses de Maximilien" series of twelve hunting tapestries, the finely woven tapestry in multicolored wool, silk and metal threads, depicting a partial scene of a forest and royal hunting party, with townscape beyond, and with polychrome fruit, flora and fauna borders, fully lined and with mounting loops attached to the top edge
4' 4" H x 13' 8" W
Provenance: "Tapisseries de France," "Le Got Barbat," Aubusson, France
Acquired from the above by the present owner, 1984

Other Notes: This lot is accompanied by a copy of a purchase receipt and a copy of a letter of authentication from "Tapisseries de France," "Le Got Barbat," Aubusson, France, dated February and March 1984, respectively.

This tapestry appears to depict a composite of elements found in the September and October tapestries from the 16th century set of "Les Chasses de Maximilien" or "Hunts of Maximilian," almost certainly after cartoons by Bernard van Orley, a leading tapestry designer at the time. The series of twelve tapestries depict various hunting scenes in the Soignes forest, south of Brussels, with the court of Maximilian I, Holy Roman Emperor.

Overall good condition with dust accumulation, even pile-wear, soiling, and typical signs of wear commensurate with age and use. Issues include, but not limited to: fading to face. Scattered areas of breaks to the fibers and weave, primarily to the sky area, and pulled threads, as well as several areas of repair, primarily concentrated along the edges. As well, there are two mounting loops missing from the upper edge. Not examined verso. Condition reports are offered as a courtesy and are typically published in Moran's catalogue or can be made available upon request. The absence of a condition report does not imply that an item is free from defects or restoration, nor does a reference to particular defects imply the absence of others. Buyers are responsible for determining to their own satisfaction the true nature and condition of any lot prior to bidding. Though buyers are not legally required to inspect lots prior to purchase, failure to do so may constitute a waiver of complaint that an item was not delivered in a condition equal to the existent condition at the auction.