MID-17TH CENTURY

Cephalus, newly and happily married to Procris, was carried away by Dawn, who cursed him when he rejected her reproaches. Cephalus started doubting Procris and, disguised with Dawn's help, he tried to seduce her. Only after many tries and with promises of wealth did she finally waver. He revealed his true identity and she fled to the mountains wracked with guilt. He repeatedly apologised and she finally came back with a dog and a javelin as a gift from Diana. They spent many happy years together. Cephalus went hunting alone nearly every day. During the mid-day heat he usually took a break in the shade and spoke to Zephyr, the cooling wind. A servant heard the loving words Cephalus spoke and believed that he was speaking to a Nymph and told Procris. She followed Cephalus the next day and lay behind greenery. He heard a rustling in the greenery, which he mistook for a beast and threw his unfailing javelin with its golden tip. She died in his arms.

A tapestry of identical subject was sold anonymously at Cornette de Saint-Cyr, Paris, 11 February 1991, lot 89.