A FLEMISH TAPESTRY WITH HUNTING SCENES

Description:

Brussels Manufactory, 1st half 17th century
250 x 333 cm
Wool and silk. The central field depicting a dramatic hunting scene. In the background is a rural scene with figures depicting a form of hunting practised by rural people since the Middle Ages: hunting with owls from huts. The owl is attached to a stake and thus attracts crows, which are supposed to be easy prey, but which then become prey themselves and are killed. A magnificent frame surrounds the scene with arabesque ornaments, mascarons, floral decorations, mythological figures and reserves with inserted landscape scenes. In the upper corners are depictions of a sun and a moon. Remnant of a signature at the top centre. Fragmentary. Numerous reweaves, repairs and restorations. Backed with linen.
Private collection in Rhineland, formerly Villa Andrae, Königstein im Taunus, according to previous owner