JAN-FRANS VAN DER BORCHT (D. 1774), AFTER THE CARTOON PAINTER 'D.H.' (POSSIBLY MAXIMILIAN DE HAASE OR NICOLAS DE HAEN), BRUSSELS, THIRD QUARTER 18TH CENTURY

THE SERIES:
The Continents tapestry series consists of five panels, including Europe, Africa, Asia, America and a panel illustrating the four Continents together (Although the Dutch landed in 1616 and the British in 1688, Australia had not really been explored until after James Cook's voyage in 1770). This version of the subject seems to have solely been woven by the van der Borcht family.

The presence of the signature of Jasper on one of the sets indicates that it was probably designed before 1742 (D. Heinz, Europäische Tapisseriekunst des 17. und 18. Jahrhunderts, Vienna, 1995, p. 209). It is believed that there were approximately nine sets made, but the only one to survive intact is in the Austrian State Collection at the Kunsthistorisches Museum, Vienna.

THE WEAVER:
Jan Frans van der Borcht (d. 1774) belonged to a large and famous dynasty of weavers and received his privileges in 1726. He initially worked with his father Jasper (d. 1742) and later with his younger brother Pieter (d. 1763).

THE DESIGNER:
The initials 'D.H.', which can be found on some of the tapestries are generally believed to belong to Maximilian de Hase (d. 1787), nephew of the famous tapestry designer Jan van Orely, although his normal pictorial style is different. Several series can be attributed to him, for instance the Famous Women, Life of Christ and The Story of Psyche. However, according to the most recent suggestions, the designs for the set should be attributed to Nicolas de Haen, a pupil of Jacques van Helmont, who became master in 1725.

COMPARABLE TAPESTRIES:
A tapestry from this series by Jan Frans van der Borcht and depicting America, from the Mayorcas Collection, was sold, Christie's London, 12 February 1999, lot 480 (£188,500).