18th Century Verdure "Exotique" Wool and Silk Tapestry from Flanders

A beautiful pair of tapestry fragments, hand-woven in Flanders (now Belgium), circa 1580. At roughly 132 inches (11 feet) long, the fragments were, originally, vertical borders to a very large and brightly colored tapestry. The colors have maintained their vibrancy over the last 400+ years, with deep blue, brown, green, and red accents over a gold and cream background. Although the fragments do not have identical scenes, it is readily apparent that they originated from the same source. At the top of each fragment is a bearded warrior clad in golden armor with a flowing blue cape and green greaves. A shield rests on the ground, supported by the soldier’s left hand, while his right hand lifts a spear into the air. Towards the center of the textile is a pair of musicians, one strumming a lute, while the other plucks a lyre. At the bottom of each tapestry is a single female figure, well-dressed and sitting on a bench with one arm overhead. The remaining areas have been filled with fruit bouquets, architectural elements, and other figurative representations. A more recent navy blue border surrounds the scenes and the backs have been lined with a mauve colored linen. Our hand-woven tapestry borders...

Produced during the Louis XIV period, in the 1600’s, this colorful cartouche and trophy décor tapestry was hand-woven using wool and silk. Originally part of a much larger wall covering, the fragment has been placed over a linen backing and a navy-blue border now surrounds the scene. The quality of the craftsmanship of the fragment is quite apparent. Vibrant gold, green and blue hues still shine brightly, which are offset by darker colors such as brown and deep red. If you look closely, you will see gradient colors being used to depict shadows and movement in clothing. The scene features a man with a walking stick in his hand talking to a woman standing behind a baluster railing. Both are clad in flowing garments, with the woman in blue and the man wearing a light pink tunic...