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Lot Essay
The Salle de Franc in Bruge is best known for the elaborate carved decoration of the room, in particular the exquisite carving around the fireplace designed by Lancelot Blondeel (1498-1561) and sculptured in about 1527 by Guyot de Beauregard (d. 1551). Carved in wood are Charles V, Mary of Burgundy and Maximilian, Charles the Bold and Margaret of York his third wife. They are surrounded by various coats of arms including that of Burgundy and that of Spain. (J. Murray, A Handbook for Travellers on the Continent, London, 1839.)
An old label attached to the reverse suggests that Haghe executed the work on the spot and that his contemporary and close friend Louis Gallait painted the figures in the latter's studio. Additionally it is suggested that King Leopold II of Belgium (1835–1909) saw it in Gallait's studio and ordered a replica cast of the fireplace to be made for the Brussels Art School, however, whether this is correct has not been verified neither has the existence of a replica.
An old label attached to the reverse suggests that Haghe executed the work on the spot and that his contemporary and close friend Louis Gallait painted the figures in the latter's studio. Additionally it is suggested that King Leopold II of Belgium (1835–1909) saw it in Gallait's studio and ordered a replica cast of the fireplace to be made for the Brussels Art School, however, whether this is correct has not been verified neither has the existence of a replica.