Very rare and exceptional panel of high smooth tapestry with 7 to 8 warp threads by 7 to 9 mm, from the Royal Manufactures of Brussels at the end of the 17th century, woven by the workshops of Jean François van der Hecht in the Albert Auwerx shop ( 1629-1709).
This panel belongs to a series of hangings of 4 then 5 panels, having for subject the continents, and whose other panels of tapestries of this series are in the "Palais d'Egmont" in Brussels.The tapestry presented here was made after the cartoons of Pieter Spierinckx (1635-1711) and Lodewijk Van SCHOOR (circa 1650-1702), successor of David Teniers III.
The panel that we present here has Asia as its register.
A panel of this series is the property of the collections of The Art Institute of Chicago since 1962.
Bibliographical Elements Initially received master in Antwerp in 1664, Lodewijk Van SHOOR joined the guild of painters of Brussels in 1678, thus becoming the successor of David Teniers III. It was at this time that the realisation of these tapestry cartoons made him one of the most important figures of the end of the 17th century in his profession, until his death in 1702. He then excelled as a baroque painter, with the realization of tapestry cartoons, such as for the allegorical paintings of the "Four Seasons", mythological subjects or even here with the realization of the "Continents".
This series of "Continents" was commissioned for the first time by the very important Antwerp merchant Naulaerts. It is very likely that this merchant knew Lodewijk van Schoor during his stay in Antwerp. Although we know that this series of hangings could be supplemented with allegories, according to the wishes of the commissioners, such as Strength, Fidelity, Abundance, Wisdom, Magnificence or even Monarchy, we also know that the landscapes were painted by Pieter Spierinckx (1635-1711).
Although the sea route to Asia was first opened by the Portuguese, it was not exploited by the Dutch until 1616, and then again later by the English in 1688. The discovery of the southern continent by James COOK in 1770, will be the occasion to add later a fifth panel to this series of hangings of the "Continents" which initially counted only four: our panel Asia, Europe, America and Africa. The later panel of Australia is present in a series of hangings kept in the National Museum of Ancient Arts in Lisbon.
The "Four Continents" or "Four Parts of the World" was a popular theme during the 17th and 18th centuries for tapestry lovers. Each continent was identified by the indigenous peoples and animals:
Europe by figures in classical costume and eagles or horses (end of the 18th century).
Here, by Jean François van der Hecht in the shop Albert Auwerx (1629-1709) (end of the 17th c.) :
America (North and South confused) by the Indians and the turkey
By the workshops J. van der Borcht II, (XVIII° century) :
North and Sub-Saharan Africa (18th century)
By the workshops J. van der Borcht II, (XVIII° century) :
Asia by the Turks and the camels (18th century)
By the workshops of J. van der Borcht II, (18th century):
Our house assures you the sale of a tapestry with invoice and approved expertise, well cleaned, in good condition with its fixing system. If it should be necessary, we will specify the work that has been done. All our tapestries can be presented to you at your home in France and neighbouring countries before your final decision.
