Helena Gumley
Head of Sale Carpets and Tapestries
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Lot 54*,TP
A monumental Flemish tapestryBrussels, 18th century, signed to the bottom right hand selvedge 712cm x 408cm
13 – 14 July 2022, 14:00 BST
London, New Bond StreetSold for £22,950 inc. premium
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A monumental Flemish tapestry
Brussels, 18th century, signed to the bottom right hand selvedge
probably depicting the story of Alexander and Porus after the battle of Hydaspes, to the left the young warrior king, astride his loyal steed Bucephalus, wears a crown and is draped in flowing red robes, to the right the defeated King Porus kneels wearing a deep blue robe, the armies of Alexander stand behind their leader to the left and court of Porus stand behind him to the right of the main field, the architectural borders with typical grotesque Medusa mask heads to the bases of corresponding figural pillar supports, the text at the bottom DAVINA PALLADIS ARTE PICTURAM SUPERAVITE ACVS translated 'the needle by the divine skill of Pallas has conquered painting,' invoking Goddess of weaving Athena,
712cm x 408cm
probably depicting the story of Alexander and Porus after the battle of Hydaspes, to the left the young warrior king, astride his loyal steed Bucephalus, wears a crown and is draped in flowing red robes, to the right the defeated King Porus kneels wearing a deep blue robe, the armies of Alexander stand behind their leader to the left and court of Porus stand behind him to the right of the main field, the architectural borders with typical grotesque Medusa mask heads to the bases of corresponding figural pillar supports, the text at the bottom DAVINA PALLADIS ARTE PICTURAM SUPERAVITE ACVS translated 'the needle by the divine skill of Pallas has conquered painting,' invoking Goddess of weaving Athena,
712cm x 408cm
Footnotes
The present lot, depicting a scene from the military accomplishments of Alexander the Great, King of Macedonia and conqueror of most of the civilized world, are magnificent examples of the work produced by the Brussels manufactories in the latter part of the late 17th/early 18th century.
It is hardly surprising that the story of Alexander the Great was an appealing choice of subject matter for ambitious nobles or powerful monarchs. One such patron of such a set was Louis XIV. The young King ordered a set of tapestries depicting the life of Alexander from his newly established Gobelins factory c.1660. These designs were made after paintings by Charles Le Brun and, later in the 17th century. Flemish weavers copied prints made after the paintings and wove their own sets.
This particular scene, showing the story of Porus' surrender in 326 BC is an interesting one. It shows a forgiving Alexander who, in the aftermath of the catastrophic defeat, was so impressed by Porus so chose not to depose him. In fact Porus' territory was re-instated and expanded to the territories of Glausaes.
For a similar border, please see Bonhams, LA, 12 Nov, lot 240 -a Brussels tapestry panel, Jaques Geubels II.
Literature:
E. Standen, European Post-Medieval Tapestries and Related Hangings in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, vol. 1, New York 1985, no.37