696 - PRESUMABLY BRUSSELS

PRESUMABLY BRUSSELS Title: Wool and Silk Tapestry with Alexandre the Great's Entry Into Babylon. Date: Last quarter of 17th c. Material: Wool and silk in polychrome. Measurement: 272 x 454 cm. Description: A large rectangular panel depicting the ceremonial welcome of a crowned ruler on a chariot by a group of people, with the keys to the city in the background and other gifts. The scene depicts Alexander the Great’s triumphal entry into Babylon. The ruler standing on the chariot is Alexander, whom the keys to the city are given. His retinue follows on horseback and on foot, carrying trophies of victory. Women and children line the procession, musicians accompany the proceedings, whilst in the background a monumental, classical-style urban landscape unfolds. It was most likely based on Charles Le Brun’s (1619–1690) painting ‘Le Triomphe d’Alexandre ou L’Entrée d’Alexandre à Babylone’. It is part of a cycle of five episodes from the history of Alexander the Great, commissioned by Louis XIV, which served as the basis for the famous ‘Histoire d’Alexandre’ series, originally produced at the royal Gobelins tapestry workshop. Owing to their great success, Le Brun’s designs were later also adopted by other major European tapestry workshops. In Aubusson and Felletin in particular, numerous variations were produced in the late 17th century, differing in their composition, level of detail and border design. Condition: Partially cut and added Estimated shipping costs for this lot: The lot is unsuitable for parcel shipping. Transport only by shipping company after consultation following the auction. additional shipping insurance Shipping insurance up to total invoice amount of 25,000 Euros: max. 41.65 Euro over a total invoice amount of 25,000 Euros: 1.8 o/oo USA by individual arrangement after the auction. #Presumably Brussels #Belgium #Tapestries.