A Brussels tapestry with scene from "The Assembly in the Palace of King Modus and Queen Ratio", 17th Century after the original cartoon from the series "The Hunt for Maximilian - Allegory of the Month of February" by Bernard van Orley . Reduced in height 254 x 543 cm 28.000 - 30.000 € Provenance: SOTHEBY'S Madrid "Fine Arts sale" May 23rd 1985 Lot 157 "The Hunt of Maximilian" is a series of tapestries most likely commissioned by a member of the Habsburg Dynasty such as Charles V or Mary of Hungary, both lovers of hunting and governors of the Netherlands. The series is divided into the twelve months of the year, astrological symbols and hunting themes. This tapestry belonging to the month of February shows the tribute of hunters accompanied by their dogs to Kings Modus and Ratio, characters that emerged from a famous treatise on hunting from the 16th century. These symbolize the "good way" and "reason" that must direct the art of hunting. For this reason, at his feet, the personifications of "Idleness" and "Gluttony" are represented trampled. The main scene is located in an interior courtyard of the Coudenberg Palace, while in the background you can see the old church of Saint-Jacques-sur-le-Coudenberg. Also, in the background of the scene you can see the forest with the deer. This series was very successful in the 16th and 17th centuries and copies are preserved in the Musee du Louvre in Paris and the Metropolitan Museum in New York.