Mille-fleurs decorated with the Allegory of Charity - Lot 8

Mille-fleurs decorated with the Allegory of Charity Exceptional and rare tapestry, attributed to Brussels, First third of the 16th century H. 2.37 m x W. 1.75 m H. 7ft10 x W. 5ft9 Description: On a midnight-blue background decorated with flowers whose motifs are not repetitive (as is usually the case in thousand-flower tapestries) but all different, stands out the graceful female figure of Charity holding a child on her lap, while another tries to reach the same place... For specialists in botany and symbolism, this décor of a thousand flowers, the species of which must be identifiable, is certainly a fascinating field of investigation and a rare document. The depiction of Charity as a young woman accompanied by children is often found in the Renaissance. Another of Charity's attributes is the cornucopia she holds in her right hand, from which fruit spills forth. This tapestry was probably part of an iconographic program representing the three theological virtues (Faith, Hope and Charity). The central composition is framed by an original border of fruit motifs, flowers au naturel, cups and grotesques, very much in vogue in the 16th century. The finesse of the tapestry is admired, while the precious metal threads lend a luminous sheen to the dress's admirable red drapery. Thousand flowers of this quality of weave and decoration, enhanced by precious metal threads, are very rare. Related tapestries: The arrangement of the beautiful floral motifs in this tapestry is similar to that of the mille-fleurs tapestry in the Abbaye de Chaalis (part of the Musée Jacquemart-André, Institut de France). This mille-fleurs is attributed to Brussels. The border of the Chaalis tapestry is characteristic of Brussels (reproduced in a special issue of Beaux-Arts Magazine, 1997, no. 105, Chaalis, l'abbaye, les collections, p. 32). Materials and condition: Wool warp (8 warp threads per cm), weft in wool, silk and precious metal threads. Good overall condition, part of right side border rewoven. Provenance: - Sotheby's London, 17.11.2010 - 1970-2011, Belgian private collection - In 1970, Pinquier antique dealer, rue de Beaune, Paris - June 18, 1929, Estate of R.H. Benson, Esq. at Christie's, London, no. 460