Lot 89
89
A PAIR OF FLEMISH MYTHOLOGICAL TAPESTRIES
Specified lots (sold and unsold) marked with a fil… Read more PROPERTY OF A DISTINGUISHED EUROPEAN COLLECTOR (LOTS 88-89,103 & 382)These three panels form part of the story of ‘Dido and Aeneas’; a series illustrating episodes from Ovid's Heroides. Among Ovid's early works, it revolves around legendary women such as Penelope, Dido and Ariadne and their absent lovers or husbands. The three panels were woven by Jan II Raes (d. 1643), one of the eight most important weavers in Brussels in the early 17th century. He is believed to have been born in circa 1570, the son of Jan I Raes who appears as a tapestry weaver in circa 1580. Jan II received his privileges in 1613 and 1629, and was burgomaster of Brussels in 1634-35. He is recorded as supervising the weaving of several sets after cartoons by Rubens, including ‘The Life of Decius Mus’ and ‘The Triumph of the Eucharist’.
A PAIR OF FLEMISH MYTHOLOGICAL TAPESTRIES

BY JAN II RAES, BRUSSELS, FIRST QUARTER 17TH CENTURY

Details
A PAIR OF FLEMISH MYTHOLOGICAL TAPESTRIES
BY JAN II RAES, BRUSSELS, FIRST QUARTER 17TH CENTURY
Ensuite with preceding lot; depicting respectively 'Mercury ordering Aeneas to leave' (Aeneid IV, 259-287) with Aeneas shown aboard a ship, and Aeneas in Trojan armour, about to mount his horse, each within an elaborate architectural border, each with Brussels town mark and signed 'RAET' and 'IAN REAT', one with further weavers cypher in right hand slip
13 ft. 2 ½ in. x 7 ft. 10 ½ in. (403 x 237 cm.);
13 ft. 2 in. x 8 ft. 5 in. (400 x 256 cm.);
Special notice
Specified lots (sold and unsold) marked with a filled square not collected from Christie’s by 5.00 pm on the day of the sale will, at our option, be removed to Cadogan Tate. Christie’s will inform you if the lot has been sent offsite. Our removal and storage of the lot is subject to the terms and conditions of storage which can be found at Christies.com/storage. Please call Christie’s Client Service 24 hours in advance to book a collection time at Cadogan Tate Ltd. All collections will be by pre-booked appointment only. Tel: +44 (0)20 7839 9060 Email: cscollectionsuk@christies.com. If the lot remains at Christie’s it will be available for collection on any working day 9.00 am to 5.00 pm. Lots are not available for collection at weekends.
Sale room notice
Please note, the measurement in inches of one tapestry is incorrect in the printed catalogue and should read 13 ft. instead of 17 ft.
The centimetres are correct.

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Lot Essay

These three panels form part of the story of ‘Dido and Aeneas’; a series illustrating episodes from Ovid's Heroides. Among Ovid's early works, it revolves around legendary women such as Penelope, Dido and Ariadne and their absent lovers or husbands. The three panels were woven by Jan II Raes (d. 1643), one of the eight most important weavers in Brussels in the early 17th century. He is believed to have been born in circa 1570, the son of Jan I Raes who appears as a tapestry weaver in circa 1580. Jan II received his privileges in 1613 and 1629, and was burgomaster of Brussels in 1634-35. He is recorded as supervising the weaving of several sets after cartoons by Rubens, including ‘The Life of Decius Mus’ and ‘The Triumph of the Eucharist’.

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