The Harvesters' Meal - Lot 3

The Harvesters' Meal Brussels tapestry First half of the 16th century H. 3.40 x W. 3.97 m H. 11ft 2 x W. 13ft Description : This beautiful tapestry recreates an almost life-size scene of peasant life at harvest time. In the center of the scene, seated on the ground, the harvesters are resting and getting ready for lunch. To the right, a stately couple come to visit their peasants and check on the harvest. To the left of the tapestry, we see a few sheaves of wheat and, at the top, a heavily laden wagon. The tapestry was intended to represent Summer, and was probably part of a set of four tapestries on the theme of the Seasons. The composition is set within a superb, wide border decorated with highly naturalistic fruit and flowers; the border is typical of tapestries from this period (see Les Travaux d'Hercule conservés dans les collections du Patrimonio Nacional espagnol op. cit. pp. 155 - 162). Materials and condition : Woven in wool and silk (wool warp, wool and silk weft), the tapestry has preserved its beautiful, vivid colors. Some maintenance restorations and re-striping. Provenance : - Piasa sale, Paris, 28.06.2006 Reference (for the border): - Paulina Junquera de Vega, Concha Herrero Carretero, 1986, Catalogo de tapices del patrimonio Nacional, vol. I: siglo XVI.