Orpheus and Eurydice - Lot 15

Orpheus and Eurydice Lille tapestry, Late 17th, early 18th century. H. 2.85 x W. 2.19 m H. 9ft 4½ x W. 7ft 2½ Iconography: Against a wooded landscape background, the couple of Orpheus and Eurydice stand out, accompanied by Eros. Orpheus, son of the nymph Calliope, is a musician; he loves and marries the nymph Eurydice. When Orpheus is absent, the shepherd Aristaeus pursues her, and as she flees, she steps on a snake that stings and kills her. The tapestry depicts the moment when Orpheus is reunited with his beloved, distraught with grief. Orpheus descends to the underworld to beg Pluto and Proserpine to return Eurydice to him. The composition is framed by an elegant border with a tobacco background, featuring a rich decorative repertoire of polychrome acanthus leaves, shells, griffins and torches, typical of Lille. Materials and condition: Woven in wool and silk (wool warp, wool and silk weft). Good overall condition, with original border. Provenance: - Private collection