Large 17th Century Flemish tapestry

An important LARGE Flemish tapestry 

16th-17th century

Old Testament subject of King Solomon, standing before his tent in armour and receiving a gift of two peacocks, from an old merchant who kneels before him, behind this figure is a squire with a falcon on his wrist, also wearing a hoop upon which other birds are perched, a young boy and two ‘aides-de-camp’ stand behind the King, while in the background are horsemen following sporting pursuits, the exceptional border showing friezes symbolising the earth, water and fire.
Size 370cm x 318cm (later reduced)

Provenance
Private collection UK

Purchased at an auction of Rippon Boswell on 13

October 1973, subsequently restored by Fiona Hutton & Frances Lennard.

A comparable can be found in the Rijksmuseum -‘ God’s Covenant with Noah’ the cartoon for this tapestry was part of a set from Wawel Castle. This set was made for Margaret of Parma – her coat of arms can be seen in one of the top corners. It is worth noting that the weavers involved – the Pannemakers, were one of the most prominent workshops in the 16th century.