162 - BRUSSELS WORKSHOP

BRUSSELS WORKSHOP Large wool and silk tapestry depicting a mythological scene featuring the goddess Diana, linked to the story of Cephalus and Procris. The scene is set in a hunting landscape. Circa 1680–1730 285 x 325 cm. Lined and braided tapestry; restorations (particularly in the silk threads of the sky); high-quality Flemish production intended for a prestigious clientele. Description: On the right, Procris (Cephalus’s wife), partially undressed, lies on a drapery in shades of pink and orange, accompanied by a small winged Cupid, armed with a bow and quiver, surrounded by hunting dogs. On the left, a female figure (Diana, Artemis in Greek mythology, goddess of the hunt), depicted with a spear and accompanied by a hunting dog. A remarkable wooded landscape animated by trees and forest vegetation. A wide polychrome floral border, adorned with an abundant design of leafy scrolls, garlands of various flowers, and bouquets tied with ribbons. Sinuous stems, serrated leaves, and blooms—both open and in bud—intertwine against a fairly dark brown background, bringing out shades of cream, golden yellow, pink, ochre, and blue-green. Note: This panel is part of a series of tapestries depicting the story of the love between Cephalus and Procris. Here, the panel depicts the moment when the goddess Artemis/Daine, having welcomed the young Procris to Crete, presented her with a dog and a magical javelin, after which the young woman departs. Rural themes were very frequently depicted in workshops throughout France and Flanders. Indeed, this type of tapestry panel was highly prized during that period. A beautiful border featuring flowers enhances this tapestry. The Myth: Cephalus, a Thessalian prince and son of Deion and Diomedes, had married Procris, one of the daughters of Erechtheus, king of Athens. She was remarkably beautiful. He inspired a deep passion in Eos (the Dawn); she, wishing to separate him from Procris, urged him to test his wife’s fidelity. To this end, he approached her in disguise; having succeeded in seducing her, he drove her away. Procris, ashamed, fled to Crete, where Artemis gave her a dog and a magical javelin. Later, Procris returned home in the guise of an alluring young woman who offered herself to Cephalus in exchange for the goddess’s gifts. Cephalus accepted, and Procris then revealed her true identity. The couple was thus reconciled. Jealousy, however, gnawed at Procris’s heart, as she believed her husband was meeting with Eos during his hunting trips. One night, she secretly followed him. She accidentally stirred a branch. Thinking that game was hiding behind the foliage, Cephalus threw his javelin and pierced the body of his beloved Procris; distraught by her death, he killed himself with the same javelin. According to another version, the Areopagus banished him for this murder. He retreated to the island that took his name, Cephalonia, and, haunted by the ghost of his beloved, eventually threw himself into the sea. " Related: (Landscape with Cephale and Procris Reunited by Diana) Painting by Claude Lorrain (1605–1682) housed at the National Gallery in London, Room 29. Source 1) Museum of Applied Arts, Budapest. 2) Petit Palais, Museum of Fine Arts of the City of Paris 3) Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art of Saint-Étienne Métropole 4) Museum of the City of Brussels 5) Château de Meudon Expert: Mr. Kassapian